TOKYO — Japan and Britain agreed Tuesday to develop defense weapons together in Tokyo’s first such arrangement outside of its security alliance with the United States.
Japan has cooperated exclusively with the US on missile shield development and other equipment under their long-standing alliance. Easing its decades-long weapons export ban in December allowed Japan to extend the exception to other defense partners, including European nations and Australia.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and his visiting British counterpart, David Cameron, agreed to cooperate in research, development and production of defense equipment.
The leaders agreed to find at least one program as soon as possible in areas that will “contribute to both our countries’ security and peaceful intent.” They did not elaborate on what kind of weapons would be developed. — AP
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