Posted on 08/26/2017 8:13:59 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
TOKYO -- Japan could be on the verge of exporting its first piece of finished defense equipment.
The government is considering sales of the Air Self-Defense Force's latest transport aircraft, the C-2, to the United Arab Emirates, The Nikkei learned on Saturday.
Government ministries are already providing specifications and other related information about the vehicle to the UAE. Now the two countries have to conclude a treaty regarding the transfer of defense equipment and technology -- an essential step before the C-2 can be sent to the UAE.
The C-2, developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, has a cruising range of 7,600km, roughly twice as far as that of Lockheed Martin's C-130 Hercules, which the ASDF also uses. In addition, the C-2 can carry 20 tons or so, four times more than the C-130.
The C-2 is wide enough to carry amphibious and combat vehicles, and can handle missions to remote islands.
It is priced at 19 billion yen ($173 million).
The UAE approached Japan about buying several C-2s, according to a senior Defense Ministry official. The Defense Ministry as well as the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry have provided technical information to the UAE. The two governments are now negotiating a final price and the number of aircraft.
Japan currently prohibits exports of defense equipment and technology to countries engaged in conflict, which could be a sticking point considering the UAE is part of a Saudi-led coalition that is attacking Yemen.
While the Japanese government is screening whether the sale can go through, another Defense Ministry official said the deal might be able to squeeze by since "the UAE is not the one who is leading the intervention" in Yemen.
Wow...this is kind of a big deal.
Usually even breathing a rumor of a Japanese defense export to anywhere causes a huge, HUGE tizzy.
I’m pretty surprised at this news.
What will UAE do with a long range heavy lift cargo plane? Do I even want to ask?
Since we are talking about the UAE, things are usually done behind the curtains.
Why would anybody have a problem with moslums blowing up other rags?
I guess I don’t understand something. The Kawasaki C-2 is an unarmed transport aircraft being bought and entered service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is being built to replace their aging C1 and C-130 Hercules Fleet. There is a gunship C-130, but blackbird doesn’t transport anything other than attack capacity.
So why are they calling it a defense aircraft? It’s just a transport like our C-141 Starlifters, C-5 Galaxies, and our newest C-17 Globemasters better know as “Moose.”
rwood
I guess because it can deliver an offensive capability (personnel, vehicles, missiles and helicopters).
Only a twin engine with that lifting capability.
Amazing how far Jet Engine Technology has come.
The UAE already has 8 C-17s.
Almost 60,000lb thrust each.
lbs
To bring in American troops to fight their wars.
To bring in American troops to fight their wars.
Lots of resemblance with the C-1, which looks like a baby version of the USAF C-141. I caught a ride on a C-1 from Iruma to Chitose way back in the 80s. Nice bird.
Because after WWII, Japan is on a defense equipment only treaty. Kinda like, build offensive equipment and we will make you glow in the dark while turning your island into a lake thing.
“I guess because it can deliver an offensive capability (personnel, vehicles, missiles and helicopters).”
I tried to find out about the Japanese ground capacity and it is well hidden if it exists. They appear to have supplemented their Navy far more than any other service. Not sure if they can produce a ground attack based upon defenseive ship operations.
rwood
With the intervention of the far east, basically to China, there have been a lot of concessions given by the US over the last 60 years. And I can’t find how their “defensive” weapons systems were monitored or if we are checking for offensive weapons. The C-2 is not like the Hercules in that it is a lot bigger and faster being a jet. So don’t know how they will redesign it if they add weapons and how they will hide it when they do.
rwood
“C-2 can carry 20 tons or so, four times more than the C-130”
BS.
20 tons = 40,000 pounds.
The C-130 has a useful load of 72,000, or 36 tons.
“You are so wrong.”
No, you are so wrong. Obviously, not a pilot.
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