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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