India, Japan Eye Joint Fighter Jet and Tank Engine Production to Boost Defense Ties

India and Japan are in the process of accelerating talks to co-produce the next-generation fighter aircraft and tank engines, a significant development in their deepening defense tie-up. During recent high-level discussions, Defense Ministers Rajnath Singh and Gen Nakatani agreed to set up a new body to oversee cooperation, with Japan offering technological know-how and potential engine exports to advance India's ambitions.

 

One of the main concerns here is Japan's proposal to India to join as part of Japan's ongoing lead on the sixth-generation fighter plane program called Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Japan, by involving India, is eager to share development costs and access India's increasing defense manufacturing capacities under the initiative of "Make in India". Both nations believe this will act as a strategic counterbalance against China's increasing military aggression within the Indo-Pacific.

 

There are obstacles, including India's military ties with Russia and issues regarding the sharing of advanced technology. But the change is a sign of a new era of Indo-Japanese defence cooperation, with more joint exercises and technology transfer on the anvil.

 

Source: NHK World, Tribune India