American officials have initiated discussions with the United Kingdom and Australia about the possibility of Japan joining them in defense technology collaborations within the framework of the AUKUS security alliance, as reported by Nikkei Asia. The goal is to formalize this partnership with an announcement when the Japanese leader visits the White House in April 2024.
As per the reports, Japan receiving an invitation, it would become the inaugural nation, beyond the original trio, to collaborate within the AUKUS framework, established in September 2021.
The administration of US President Joe Biden is working to finalize an agreement by early next month, with plans to unveil it during the state visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington on April 10.
Earlier in February, Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles, who also holds the position of deputy prime minister, expressed a desire to "intensify collaboration with Japan" in technology sectors, praising Japan as a "hub of innovation." However, he clarified that Japan would not participate in the nuclear submarine project under the tri-nation alliance.
Nonetheless, he highlighted that collaboration with Japan would not materialize in the near future, noting that the second pillar of AUKUS is still under development. In November 2023, Taro Aso, the former Prime Minister of Japan, advocated for his country's inclusion in AUKUS, suggesting the alliance could be renamed “JAUKUS.”
The defense industry is responsible for producing the equipment and technologies that are used by military forces around the world. One of the primary effects of the defense market on the global defense scenario is that it drives innovation and technological advancement.
The global defense forecast presents the defense spending of 30 nations from 2023 to 2033, with the total budget estimated at $29,031.67 billion for this period. Factors anticipated to propel the global defense sector include geopolitical events, investments in technology, particularly in autonomous and cyber capabilities, the rise of both public and private defense enterprises, and governmental contracts, among others.
Following are the drivers for the global defense market:
Rising Procurement of Multi-Mission Helicopters and Fighter Jets to have Positive Impact on Market
Increasing Penetration of Autonomous Systems in Military Applications
Following are the challenges for the global defense market:
Long Gestation Periods and High Import Dependency for Procurement of Defense Equipment
High Manufacturing Cost Associated with Integration and Implementation of Air and Space Systems
Following are the opportunities for the global defense market:
Rise of Internet of Military Things and Era of Digital Battlefield: Future and its Potential
Ageing Fleet
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Despite Japan's possibly limited role in AUKUS, enhancing cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and technology is necessary. This includes developing a robust security clearance system, a goal the government aims to achieve with a new bill expected to pass in the current parliamentary session.
The proposed system aims to align Japan with its Group of Seven counterparts by imposing penalties of up to five years in jail, a fine of as much as ¥5 million ($33,220), or both, for individuals who disclose "information crucial to national economic security."
