Defense Ministry to allow civilian use of aircraft

August 21, 2010

Japan's Defense Ministry has compiled guidelines to promote the civilian use of its technologies to develop aircraft and other equipment.

A Defense Ministry panel containing corporate officials compiled the guidelines to allow domestic defense manufacturing firms to sell aircraft developed for the Self Defense Forces and other technologies in civilian markets.

The panel says the decision will allow the manufacturers to acquire new markets and will lead to lower costs for the ministry in procuring defense equipment.

Manufacturers that use defense technology will pay fees depending on the amount of their sales of aircraft or technology.

The guidelines prohibit the civilian use of sensitive equipment, such as radar.

The ministry says 3 models, including the US-2 rescue flying-boat and the next generation XC-2 transport aircraft, are expected to be in demand by the private sector.

The ministry says it will consult with the transport and industry ministries to flesh out the scheme.

2010/08/21 12:52(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)