Japan Misses Kishida’s Deadline for Fighter Jet Export Decision
- Government spokesman says more careful explanation needed
- Delay could disadvantage Japan in unprecedented project
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Japan’s ruling parties have failed to agree to allow exports of a next-generation fighter jet before a deadline set by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a fresh blow for the premier as he seeks to build up the country’s defenses.
Kishida had called on the coalition led by his Liberal Democratic Party to reach an agreement by the end of February. A prolonged deadlock could disadvantage Japan in negotiations on dividing up work on the aircraft, which are set to start as soon as March, with co-developers Italy and the UK.