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.
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Ukraine’s Air Force lost an F-16 fighter jet on Friday following an in-flight malfunction; the pilot ejected safely after diverting the aircraft from populated areas, and investigators say there’s no indication of Russian fire.
The United States has warned Vietnam that its \$123 billion trade deficit is “unsustainable” as both nations enter reciprocal tariff negotiations, prompting Hanoi to crack down on illicit transshipments and seek greater imports of U.S. high-tech goods.
In a high‑stakes May 18 runoff, nationalist George Simion and centrist Nicușor Dan clash in a tight race that could steer Romania’s political and European trajectory for years to come.
On May 19, London and Brussels are set to kick off their first annual summit, prioritizing a new UK–EU defense and security pact even as negotiations continue with Washington over tariff relief on British steel, cars and aerospace components.
Archer Aviation’s four‑seat “Midnight” electric air taxi will shuttle fans, VIPs and support teams between major LA28 venues—SoFi Stadium, the Coliseum, LAX and more—in 10–20 minute hops, marking the first use of eVTOLs at any Olympic Games.
Ukraine’s Air Force lost an F-16 fighter jet on Friday following an in-flight malfunction; the pilot ejected safely after diverting the aircraft from populated areas, and investigators say there’s no indication of Russian fire.
The United States has warned Vietnam that its \$123 billion trade deficit is “unsustainable” as both nations enter reciprocal tariff negotiations, prompting Hanoi to crack down on illicit transshipments and seek greater imports of U.S. high-tech goods.
In a high‑stakes May 18 runoff, nationalist George Simion and centrist Nicușor Dan clash in a tight race that could steer Romania’s political and European trajectory for years to come.
On May 19, London and Brussels are set to kick off their first annual summit, prioritizing a new UK–EU defense and security pact even as negotiations continue with Washington over tariff relief on British steel, cars and aerospace components.
Archer Aviation’s four‑seat “Midnight” electric air taxi will shuttle fans, VIPs and support teams between major LA28 venues—SoFi Stadium, the Coliseum, LAX and more—in 10–20 minute hops, marking the first use of eVTOLs at any Olympic Games.
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