Japan announces military aid to four countries

According to the Nikkei report on December 1, the Japanese government decided to list the Philippines, Mongolia, Djibouti and Indonesia as the target countries for the “Government Security Capability Enhancement Support (OSA)” in fiscal 2024. It is expected that Japan will provide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines to monitor the movements of ships, etc.

According to the report, OSA is a framework for Japan to provide defense equipment and other equipment to so-called “like-minded countries” free of charge, and will directly provide military equipment and infrastructure to the recipient countries. It is expected that Japan will continue to provide this assistance to the Philippines after fiscal 2024, including the provision of control radar-related equipment.

The report pointed out that Japan’s move will not only promote security cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries, but also help promote relevant countries to purchase military equipment produced in Japan. OSA may also promote technological innovation in the defense industry.

Japan’s defense industry is emerging from a downturn. The combined defense-related business revenue of three major military industry giants, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI, is expected to increase by 25% in fiscal 2024 compared with the previous fiscal year. The Japanese government has decided to increase defense spending, and both domestic and foreign countries expect Japan to increase exports of defense equipment.