After the recent Japanese visit by the Indian Defence Minister, military ties are scaling new heights as Japan has offered its amphibious aircraft for the Indian Navy indicating greater role in defence interactions. According to sources, ShinMaywa Corporation of Japan has been granted permission by Japanese government to respond to a global request for information (RFI) by the Indian Navy. This is the first time Japan has offered to sell multi-role amphibious aircraft, or for that matter any military equipment to another country. The amphibious aircraft can indulge in electronic warfare besides other roles of the Indian Navy.
According to sources, Japan has offered an aircraft named ShinMaywa SS 3 I in response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Navy. The move to sell multi-role amphibious aircraft by Japan has been a surprise to India since Japan does not traditionally export its military equipment to any other country. Despite the fact that Japan has an unofficial ban on exporting military equipment and arms, it has offered its amphibious planes to India, it suggests the ushering a new era of relaxed export policy of defence equipment. The new Japanese Prime Minister has been suggesting an end to Japan's longstanding restrictions on arms exports. As of now, Japan can only export to the US. The restrictions have stifled Japan’s defence industry in terms of innovation.
Following the Defence Minister A.K.Antony’s visit to Japan last month, it seems Japan is not wary of extending its defence industry products to India. In fact, Japan also intends to share high-end military technology with India and even explore the possibility of joint development. India and Japan have also earmarked areas where defence technology can be shared. The Japanese Defence Minister will visit India early next year and chalk out areas for mutual defence cooperation.
As for the Japanese offer of the multi-role amphibious aircraft, India has acknowledged Japan’s offer for the Indian Navy. However, India has indicated that that the amphibious aircraft would need to take part in competitive trials as per the procurement process. Since India and Japan do not have options or modes like government-to-government sale of military equipment, Japan will have to compete with other global vendors. Sources added that the other responses for the Indian Navy's RFI have come from Canada’s Bombardier and Russia’s Beriev Company.
Meanwhile, Japan is also looking at revoking its ban and modulating its defence export policies. Although Japan has significant potential in its defence industry, it is restricted to supply to its own self defence forces only. Hence, it plans to extend its products to a global market now and plans to embark on joint ventures as well as co-development in defence projects with other nations. Greater military interactions between India and Japan have been decided as the first-ever bilateral training exercises between Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy has been finalized as well. Additionally, the new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda plans to visit India in December. Both nations will implement the Japan-India Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo and also implement Staff Talks between the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (GSDF) and Indian Army in 2012. Staff Exchanges between Japan Air Defence Force (ASDF) and Indian Air Force will be held in 2012. |