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Japanese companies debut at international defense fair

The Desert Falcon definitely is a air superiority fighter, and it will be of interest for countries that have already pre-esisting F-16s and needing to upgrade it. But as i said, the F-2 has a more capable avionics system, and can achieve higher elevation.

Yes, we can export it. One country that has been looking into the F2 was South Korea, Taiwan.



Definitely, as we open up to international markets, this will drive our defense industry to produce more qualitative products for our partners.

;)
Buddy, whatever floats your boat!
 
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PARIS – Twelve companies became the first from Japan to participate in an international defense exhibition Monday by exhibiting their wares at the five-day Eurosatory defense fair in Paris.

Their participation is expected to help Japan cash in on the easing in April of its long-standing ban on arms exports as hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looks to revive a stagnating economy.

Exhibits at the Japanese pavilion in the civilian section of the fair, held every two years, include a pontoon layer vehicle, a weather observation radar system, a night-vision lens, life-saving equipment and a portable mine detector. Also on display is a target drone for air-to-air warfare.

“The participation in the fair is significant for Japanese firms that can learn about a civilian market they had ignored while refraining from taking part in arms fairs,” said President Makoto Asari of Crisis Intelligence, which has urged other Japanese firms to exhibit products.

The sponsor of the Eurosatory exhibition reportedly called for Japanese companies to participate in light of growing interest in rescue and reconstruction technologies after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami wrecked northeastern Japan.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian addressed the opening ceremony of the biennial exhibition, which specialized in weapons before including civilian products in the 2000s.

Parliamentary Senior Vice Minister of Defense Ryota Takeda is visiting the exhibition.


Reference: JAPAN TIMES


Nice thread.
 
SO does the Blk60/61, a better AESA radar I might add.

1) You need to technically compare the F2 with the Blk61, without going into details, three things immediately give the Blk61 an advantage, The APG80 radar, Internal IRST, and a more powerful engine.

2) Since it's technically 40% still made by the US, do the Japanese have permission to export it?

3) Who in his right mind would buy an F2 when they can get a technologically superior product like the Blk61 +/- the same price?

4) The brownie the points you get from buying form the US............? I'm not even going to go there!

1. You should look at the release date of each platforms, F-2 first appearing than UAE Block 60, in which they had maturing those technology first and getting several updates for the Software and integrating system per-se
2. Turkey exporting their F-16 to Egypt, i don't see a problem here
3. I think several country who has plethora for Maritime Strike variants from a capable Multirole Fighter such F-2 will consider F-2 as their choice

i do not believe Japanese weapons are good unless you sell to BD at low price :dirol:

You should stick with your Chinese friends, they have tons of cheap weapons systems in market

How u can claim that their radar is not good??

It is not necessary that Japan offer sale of F-2, what I m suggesting that we can get benefit where they have tech available for developing new advance systems which we can't develop, we can have our advance AESA radar and advance sub working with them, and all those things you mentioned about Blk-60/61 can end up in F-2 too, which will make it more lethal. Its not a big deal for Japan to get those stuff, they can have even better then that from US having JV with them.

though their price is quite expensive, Rich country such as Australia got a little problems when negotiating the price tag for their Submarine programme
 
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1. You should look at the release date of each platforms, F-2 first appearing than UAE Block 60, in which they had maturing those technology first and getting several updates for the Software and integrating system per-se
2. Turkey exporting their F-16 to Egypt, i don't see a problem here
3. I think several country who has plethora for Maritime Strike variants from a capable Multirole Fighter such F-2 will consider F-2 as their choice

though their price is quite expensive, Rich country such as Australia got a little problems when negotiating the price tag for their Submarine programme

1) If someone says that the F2 is more capable then a Blk61, then all I can say is that, "you are entitled to your opinion," but reality says otherwise.

2) Turkey is NOT exporting it's F-16's anywhere. Don't know where you came up with this?

3) Simply put, for the price the F2 isn't worth it. More or less for the same price you can get better aircrafts. Secondly, for maritime strike roles, people prefer 2 engine aircrafts, if they can afford it.

4) Subs and other arms, are another issue.
 
1) If someone says that the F2 is more capable then a Blk61, then all I can say is that, "you are entitled to your opinion," but reality says otherwise.

2) Turkey is NOT exporting it's F-16's anywhere. Don't know where you came up with this?

3) Simply put, for the price the F2 isn't worth it. More or less for the same price you can get better aircrafts. Secondly, for maritime strike roles, people prefer 2 engine aircrafts, if they can afford it.

4) Subs and other arms, are another issue.

Those who can afford f2 will buy F-35 instead. or battle tested Rafale.
 
Those who can afford f2 will buy F-35 instead. or battle tested Rafale.
Rafael is not battle tested. Dropping bombs in a place with no air force / anti-aircraft hardware is battle tested? Secondly, French after sales support, missiles and upgrades; all cost more.

F35 is a new product, lots of teething issues. Delivery = 2022 min? Secondly, it's only available to a handful of countries

So what does that leave you with?
 
Japan, Australia Deal Poses Tech Issues
Jun. 15, 2014
By PAUL KALLENDER-UMEZU and NIGEL PITTAWAY
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Australia wants to replace its six Collins-class submarines. Here, the submarine Rankin enters Pearl Harbor. (US Navy)

TOKYO AND MELBOURNE
— Last week’s agreement between Japan and Australia to jointly develop stealth submarine technology represents a major, perhaps even breakthrough, step for Japan as it seeks to normalize its defense posture, forging ever closer ties with Australia as both countries seek to balance Chinese expansionism.

The question now is how, or how far, can Japan capitalize on the intriguing potential the deal poses.

The June 11 agreement, following extensive talks between Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and their Australian counterparts, Julie Bishop and David Johnston, will see the two countries jointly develop a range of submarine technologies based mainly on Japan’s highly advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems.

In a joint press conference, Onodera stressed that the deal would be applicable to more than submarines and said he had “high expectations for successful results.”

The reality is that Australia will probably deploy some form of AIP technology that Japan uses in its Soryu-class submarines as the Royal Australian Navy, in a March 2015 review, embarks on an AUS $35 billion (US $33 billion) program to replace its six aging, maintenance-heavy Collins-class diesel-electric submarines.

The goal is to replace them with a new fleet of larger boats better able to protect vital shipping routes around disputed waters in the South and East China seas. The new subs could feature submarine-launched cruise missiles and be capable of deploying special operations forces and represent a major regional enhancement of Australia’s capabilities.

Johnston said that while Australia and Japan are looking at a technology exchange, all options for Australia’s Future Submarine program are still on the table.

Project Sea 1000 will build up to 12 large conventionally powered submarines to replace six Collins-class boats, with options previously narrowed to a choice between an evolved Collins-class boat, which will benchmark current capabilities and add a technology refresh; and a new design.

Johnston has said the new submarines must be in the water by 2030 if a further and costly Collins service-life extension program (SLEP) is to be avoided.

While the deal stopped short of Australia actually committing to buy Soryus or modified versions, it’s something of a triple play for Japan. Since 2011, Tokyo has relaxed a five-decade-old ban on weapons exports, deciding this April that it could export arms and defense technologies to countries not actually involved in conflicts or subject to UN embargoes.

First, the deal presages a new strategic relationship between Japan and Australia, which have also agreed on new defense ties as part of the deal, said Fumio Ota, retired vice admiral of the Marine Self-Defense Force and former director of Japan’s Defense Intelligence Headquarters.

“Japan and Australia are becoming close friends,” he said. “Australia is the only country to have signed an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement with Japan. With AIP, Australian submarines would be able to deploy into South China Sea and beyond. Since few countries can deploy submarines in those areas, this could restrict the operational capabilities of China’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarines homeported in Hainan Island.”

Second, Ota said the deal makes Japan a potentially bigger player in regional security, validating the diplomacy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is seeking to balance China diplomatically.

“It is clear that Abe has been extremely active, consistent in message, and has racked up many achievements, particularly in reaching out to [Southeast] Asia, India and Australia,” said Corey Wallace, a Japan security policy expert at New Zealand’s University of Auckland.

Third, the deal offers the potential — as yet unrealized — of Japan spreading its wings and becoming a bigger player in the global defense market, said Satoshi Tsuzukibashi, director of the Office of Defense Production Committee at Nippon Keidanren, Japan’s most powerful business lobby.

“[This agreement] is a trigger to change the mind and view of Japanese companies to do business in the global defense market.”

Questions Raised
However, somewhat ironically, the deal actually poses a series of tough questions for Japan’s defense industry, sources said.

If, and it’s a big if, Japan actually sells Soryu-based or derived submarines, it would be a big win for both sides, Ota said, with production driving down costs for Japan.

“Japan’s defense industry will have a good opportunity to reduce submarine costs because the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces orders submarines almost only once every five years,” he said. “Mitsubishi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will be able to maintain superb submarine technicians if Japan exports her submarines.”

Exporting subs potentially offers Australia better value for money, particularly as Collins-class subs are costing Australia upwards of $800 million each year just for maintenance, Wallace said.

“Maintaining core industry capabilities while getting more value for money from Japan’s defense budget were the main motivations for the recent changes to the arms export restrictions. Japan produces its Soryu at around [US] $540 million per year, so even if Japan and Australia designed and built a modified version together, then the full complement of 12 boats will only cost a fraction of the original budget. With the drive train in the pocket, this will ensure the Australian government against significant budgetary risk and against the risk of platform failure,” he said.

Bob Nugent, with AMI International, was less upbeat. Any deal could help Japanese makers compete in an emerging $250 billion global naval market for up to 300 new hulls to be built over the next 20 years, challenging traditional leaders in submarine export such as ThyssenKrupp in Germany, Russian builders and DCNS in France.

But the size of Soryu-class boats — 3,000 tons fully loaded — probably makes them too large for the emerging and highly competitive export market for small- medium-sized conventional diesel electric and AIP vessels of 1,500-2,500-tons, he said.

“A larger hull is attractive to future customers like Australia whose requirements for endurance and embarked weapons (missiles, underwater vehicles) push for hulls of 3,000 tons or larger to accommodate, but are not looking at nuclear-powered hulls,” Nugent said. “There are some other prospective submarine buyers over the next 10 years whose requirements for a larger submarine are similar — Canada comes to mind. This could favor a Japanese design.”

In particular, Japan faces stiff competition from European hull designs such as German-maker Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft’s Type 416, which are conceived around Australian requirements, rather than purchases of entire Soryu submarines.

Further, a senior source familiar with Japan’s defense industry said local makers already felt Abe was moving too fast, as Japan is still working out its export control regimes and is inexperienced in technology transfer agreements outside of familiar negotiations as part of the US-Japan alliance.

Following a tentative UK-Japan defense technology agreement last year, Japan is figuring out a ShinMaywa US-2i short-takeoff-and-landing amphibious aircraft export contract with India, which will likely see 13 units assembled locally, as well as figuring out a welter of potential deals with the Philippines, Turkey, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

“Abe and others have been going around the world making promises and shaking hands, but government officers are wondering how to deal with them because we haven’t worked out standards for technology transfers,” the source said. “Industry needs and is waiting for concrete standards. We are asking, ‘how do we do this? How do we get good deals without giving our technologies away?’”

Added Nugent: “Internal fears of losing technical and tactical advantages via submarine exports are reasonable. Some of the established submarine builders who once ‘owned’ the global export market have seen customers like Korea and Turkey become competitors — enabled in part by technology transfer from past submarine export and cooperative construction programs.”

Johnston was careful to point out that Australia still has options as to what, specifically, will replace the Collins boats.

“What we’re looking at initially is a defense, science and technology exchange. We are working towards an agreement to that. Submarine technology is very sensitive for both countries,” he said from Japan on June 12. “We are taking very small steps. Japan is one of several countries we are talking to actively about our new submarine program.”

Johnston also pointed out that Australia is also talking with the US, UK, France and Germany on technology-related matters.

However, while any technology transfer agreement with Japan could put another horse in the proverbial submarine race, it is purely speculative at this point, said Andrew Davies, a senior analyst with Australia’s Strategic Policy Institute in Canberra.

“It’s not clear what Australia’s expectations are and what Japan’s readiness is, in terms of technology transfer,” he said.

Japan, Australia Deal Poses Tech Issues | Defense News | defensenews.com
 
Japan accelerates joint arms development with other nations
June 20, 2014
By SHINOBU KONNO/ Staff Writer

The Defense Ministry adopted its new strategy on military equipment on June 19 (2014) that calls for further collaboration with other nations in the procurement of weaponry and enhanced capability to monitor and defend the nation's outlying regions.

It marked the first time in 44 years that the ministry made changes to its basic policy on military equipment production and technology.

Set in 1970, the previous basic policy stipulated that the Self-Defense Forces use arms developed by Japanese companies to boost domestic defense contractors.

But a surge in weaponry development costs attributed to increasingly sophisticated ordnance technologies has led to a global trend of nations working together to develop and manufacture fighter aircraft and other advanced weapons.

For example, the United States and eight additional countries have been involved in joint efforts to develop the latest F-35 fighter since the 2000s. Japan was unable to participate in the project because of its three principles on arms exports.

“We are strongly concerned that our nation’s defense-related technologies could be left behind by overseas competitors if no steps are taken,” Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said June 19.

Earlier this year, the Abe administration relaxed the long-established principles on weaponry exports by replacing them with less strict ones that would enable Japanese companies to more easily join international development projects.

Based on the new government arms export principles finalized by the Abe Cabinet in April, the ministry’s new military equipment procurement strategy calls for more aggressive participation in international joint projects to develop and produce fighter aircraft and missiles.

The strategy states that participation in global projects will not only help reduce expenses, but “strengthen Japan’s alliances and friendships with other states by increasing mutual dependence.”

In the ministry’s plan, the United States, Britain, France, Australia, India, Southeast Asian countries and other friendly nations are named as potential partners to develop new military equipment and share arms technologies.

Another change in strategy urges Japan to boost its ability to monitor and defend the nation's outlying regions.

To counter threats from North Korea and China, the revised strategy says that Tokyo will enhance its patrol and surveillance capabilities by accelerating the development of drones and amphibious vehicles, areas where the SDF lags.

While Pyongyang has provoked a backlash from the international community for conducting a succession of missile and nuclear tests, Beijing has also created friction with its neighbors through its maritime expansion in the East and South China seas.

According to the new strategy, the ministry will compile a vision for the research and development of unmanned equipment, such as drones and robots, as early as the next fiscal year. Plans to promote the development of amphibious vehicles that would be used to defend remote islands are also included in the new basic policy.

Japan accelerates joint arms development with other nations - AJW by The Asahi Shimbun
 
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