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Japan Boosts Arms Exports to Europe Amid Global Rearmament
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Economy & Trade

Japan Boosts Arms Exports to Europe Amid Global Rearmament

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Japan is increasing its defense cooperation with Europe, particularly Germany, amid global rearmament.
  • Japanese companies like Kawasaki Heavy Industries are supplying components for military equipment, including engines for jets and drones.
  • Both Japan and Germany see military rivals in their respective regions, driving a desire for closer security ties.

Japan is poised to become a significant player in Europe's booming defense market, deepening military cooperation with countries like Germany. This trend is fueled by a global rearmament push and shared security concerns.

At the International Air and Space Exhibition in Berlin, Japanese firms showcased advanced military technology. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, for instance, displayed powerful engines suitable for turbojets and drones, highlighting their adaptability and ease of use. The company is reportedly set to manufacture Germany's Taurus cruise missile under license, a move that would solidify its presence in the European defense sector.

This burgeoning partnership is framed by shared values, with both Japan and EU nations often referring to each other as "value partners." They champion liberal democracy, free trade, and a rules-based global order. Furthermore, both nations face assertive military rivals in their neighborhoods โ€“ China, North Korea, and Russia for Japan, and Russia for Germany.

Despite historical sensitivities stemming from World War II, cooperation is increasing. Germany's ambassador to Japan has expressed hope for Japanese participation in the Eurodrone project, signaling a strategic alignment aimed at bolstering collective security capabilities in an increasingly volatile world.

They are easy to operate, powerful and can be quickly adapted as needed.

โ€” Riku FujinoRiku Fujino from KHI's marketing department described the engines displayed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries at the ILA exhibition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.