June 18, 2014 7:00 pm JST Japan eyes agency for weapons business

June 18, 2014 7:00 pm JST

Japan eyes agency for weapons business

 TOKYO -- Japan's government plans to set up a new agency to centralize the development, procurement and export of defense equipment in the summer of 2015.

     The new organ, tentatively called the Equipment Procurement Agency, will integrate the equipment procurement sections of the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces and the Equipment Procurement and Construction Office, a body affiliated with the ministry, if the plan goes ahead. It is expected to be staffed with some 2,000 officials.

     With Japan's adoption of three new principles that replace ones imposing an all-out ban on arms exports, the new agency will have a section in charge of negotiations with other countries to promote the international joint development and exports of weapons.

 

 

 

     At present, the procurement sections of the different parts of Japan's forces operate separately. The new agency will centralize the work to avoid overlapped procurement and reduce purchasing costs.

     Operations of the Technical Research and Development Institute, which is engaged in the development of defense equipment at the ministry, will be also integrated into the new agency.

     Among other plans, the new agency will have an expert section that collects information needed for the promotion of technological cooperation with overseas defense equipment companies and hold negotiations with foreign governments. The agency will also promote tie-ups with private companies and research institutes.

     Organs dealing with defense issues in Japan have often been reorganized when hit by scandal. Major changes to defense organizations previously took place in 2001 and 2006.

(Nikkei)