According to government sources cited by Tokyo-based Kyodo News, Japan is exploring the acquisition of US military transport aircraft—believed to be C-17s—for its Self Defense Forces.
The proposal was mentioned by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on February 7, signaling a potential shift in Japan’s defense procurement strategy.
The initiative comes amid growing pressure from Washington for Japan to boost its defense spending, with Trump repeatedly urging NATO allies to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product for defense. Historically, Japan has maintained a defense budget of about 1% of GDP—approximately 5 trillion yen ($33.5 billion)—but recent security challenges from China and North Korea have spurred plans to increase spending toward a target of 2% of GDP by 2027.
Ishiba, a former defense minister and proponent of the C-17 aircraft due to its superior transport capacity compared to Japan’s domestically produced C-2 planes, indicated that purchasing these aircraft could help alleviate the pressure to raise defense spending. The proposed acquisition would involve secondhand C-17s, as Boeing ceased production of the aircraft in 2015.
The US welcomed the idea during the meeting, marking the first summit between President Trump and the Japanese leader since Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Observers suggest that such a procurement move could provide Japan with enhanced logistical capabilities while also addressing diplomatic concerns regarding increased defense expenditures.
As Japan navigates its evolving defense posture in response to regional security dynamics and external pressures, the potential purchase of US military transport aircraft represents a strategic measure to balance domestic spending with growing international expectations. Further details on the proposal and its implications for Japan’s Self Defense Forces are awaited.
A Ukrainian drone strike late Tuesday cut power to areas of Russia-held Zaporizhzhia region, officials said, during ongoing attacks in southeastern Uk...
India and China on Tuesday announced plans to resume direct flights and enhance trade and investment as they cautiously rebuild ties following their 2...
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he plans to pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a leading museum and research complex on American ...
Armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigeria’s Katsina state during morning prayers, leaving dozens dead and many injured....
The U.S. Commerce Department has expanded steel and aluminum tariffs on Tuesday, to include more than 400 products, aiming to protect domestic industr...
Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani will hold talks in Türkiye on Tuesday focused on defence industry cooperation, including the potential acquisition of Turkish-made drones, a diplomatic source said. The move comes as Tokyo seeks to expand the role of unmanned systems across its armed forces.
Germany and Japan call for increased pressure on Russia and additional support for Ukraine stressing the need for firm security guarantees for Ukraine’s defence as part of a “just and lasting peace.”
The South Korean government has voiced “deep disappointment and regret” over visits by Japanese officials to a controversial war shrine in Tokyo, urging that any improvement in bilateral ties must be grounded in Japan’s willingness to confront its wartime past, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
Japan has commemorated 80 years since its surrender in World War II with a Tokyo memorial attended by Emperor Naruhito, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged the nation would never again go to war.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
'Superman' continued to dominate the summer box office, pulling in another $57.25 million in its second weekend, as theatres welcome a wave of blockbuster competition following a challenging few years for the film industry.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul and its president of having a “dual personality,” criticising their commitment to peace while carrying out joint exercises with the United States, according to state media KCNA on Wednesday.
A Ukrainian drone strike late Tuesday cut power to areas of Russia-held Zaporizhzhia region, officials said, during ongoing attacks in southeastern Ukraine.
India and China on Tuesday announced plans to resume direct flights and enhance trade and investment as they cautiously rebuild ties following their 2020 border clash, though key border issues remain unresolved.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he plans to pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a leading museum and research complex on American history and culture, to comply with his demands, similar to his approach with colleges and universities by threatening to withhold federal funding.
Armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigeria’s Katsina state during morning prayers, leaving dozens dead and many injured.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment