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.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating as Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Israel amid a massive U.S. military buildup. Multiple emb...
Afghan and Pakistani forces traded airstrikes and artillery fire along the Durand Line on Thursday night, killing dozens on both sides, as Pakistan’...
South Korea will soon cease to be one of the few countries where Google Maps does not function fully, after its security-conscious government reversed...
Some of Iran's most highly enriched uranium, close to weapons grade, was stored in an underground area of its nuclear site in Isfahan, the UN nuclear ...
Pakistani air strikes hit a weapons depot on the western outskirts of Kabul overnight, triggering hours of secondary explosions that rattled homes acr...
Relations between Russia and Japan have effectively collapsed due to Tokyo’s “unfriendly” stance towards Moscow, the Kremlin said on Friday (20 February), adding that there is currently no dialogue aimed at concluding a peace treaty.
Japan’s parliament has reappointed Sanae Takaichi as the country’s 105th prime minister ten days after a snap general election that handed her party a decisive two-thirds majority in the lower house.
Japan’s ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a sweeping victory in Sunday’s lower house election, cementing her authority and paving the way for major economic and security reforms.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state has risen to 46, authorities said, with 21 people still reported missing. The storms triggered landslides and widespread flooding, displacing thousands across Juiz de Fora and Uba.
The situation in Cuba was heating up and called for restraint following a deadly incident involving a Florida-registered speedboat off the coast of the Caribbean island, the Kremlin said on Thursday (26 February).
Syria’s economy is showing clear signs of recovery, with economic activity accelerating in recent months, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating as Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Israel amid a massive U.S. military buildup. Multiple embassies have authorised departures for staff and families, signaling growing concern over regional stability.
Pakistani air strikes hit a weapons depot on the western outskirts of Kabul overnight, triggering hours of secondary explosions that rattled homes across the Afghan capital and left residents fearing further violence.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating as Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Israel amid a massive U.S. military buildup. Multiple embassies have authorised departures for staff and families, signaling growing concern over regional stability.
Afghan and Pakistani forces traded airstrikes and artillery fire along the Durand Line on Thursday night, killing dozens on both sides, as Pakistan’s defence minister warned the two countries were now in “open war” after months of escalating clashes.
Some of Iran's most highly enriched uranium, close to weapons grade, was stored in an underground area of its nuclear site in Isfahan, the UN nuclear watchdog said in a confidential report sent to member states on Friday (27 February).
Former President Bill Clinton is set to testify behind closed doors on Friday (27 February) before a congressional panel about his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Four people were killed and six detained after armed Cuban exiles aboard a Florida-registered speedboat were intercepted at sea on Wednesday, drawing swift reactions from Washington, Havana and Moscow.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment