SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Japanese government has initiated discussions with India to join the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Aviation Programme (GCAP), a collaborative effort led by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy. According to a government source, Japan aims to reduce the substantial financial burden of the project by expanding the number of participating nations while strengthening security ties with India, a key South Asian power.
The GCAP, a trilateral initiative to design and build an advanced fighter jet to replace aging fleets, involves significant development costs estimated in the billions. By inviting India, Japan hopes to distribute these expenses and leverage India’s growing defense capabilities. Additionally, the move aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region, where India plays a pivotal role.
In February 2024, Japanese officials visited India to present the GCAP framework and propose participation. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has prioritized domestic manufacturing through the “Make in India” initiative, which includes bolstering indigenous defense production. Sources indicate that Indian officials expressed interest in Japan’s proposal, seeing potential for technology transfer and industrial benefits.
However, India’s participation faces challenges. Ongoing tensions with Pakistan over disputed territories raise concerns about escalating military commitments. Furthermore, India’s historically close ties with Russia, a major supplier of its defense equipment, may complicate alignment with a Western-leaning project like GCAP. Gaining domestic and international support for India’s involvement remains uncertain.
Japan views India as a critical partner in its Indo-Pacific security framework. The two nations already engage in joint military exercises between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Indian armed forces, alongside regular foreign and defense ministerial consultations. Deepening defense cooperation through GCAP could further solidify this partnership.
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