Japan’s government approves bill to boost the local defense industry
Tokyo, Feb 10 (EFE).- Japan Friday approved a bill to support its defense industry and tighten security in managing information in the sector after a recent policy change to reshape its military strategy.
The bill allows the government to give subsidies to Japan’s defense equipment companies to help them diversify, expand their supply chains, and boost cyber security measures.
The draft prescribes fines or prison terms for leaking defense secrets related to but not limited to military equipment.
The bill seeks to allow the export of Japan’s defense products in the future through incentives to help the manufacturers market their equipment overseas.
At the moment, Japan does not allow the export of weapons, except for joint development and production projects with third countries.
The proposed law comes after Japan approved its major defense overhaul since World War II with a new roadmap for the next decade against the backdrop of the Chinese military rise in the Asia-Pacific region.
The three documents approved by the government in December include a 50 percent increase in military expenditure over the next five years, putting it on the same level as other NATO nations.
The government also authorized the acquisition or development of new arms like long-range and hypersonic missiles for the first time. EFE
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