India to Acquire Flying Boat from Japan

Complied from reporting by Sankei Shimbun, 24 March 2013

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US-2, Rescue Flying Boat by Shin-Maywa, Operated by Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force

　

Tokyo has started necessary procedures to export US-2, amphibious rescue flying boat operated by Maritime Self-Defence Force, to India that had expressed intention to buy the aircraft for its rescue operations as well as anti-piracy countermeasure. Its manufacturer opened a local office in India to negotiate with the Indian government. With its export, per unit produciton cost would be lowered as production increases, reluting in lower procurement cost of Japan.

US-2, when taken off special armor and IFF, cannot be classified as weapon system but its export was regarded as a ‘taboo’ as the aircraft is exclusively designed for operations by the Self-Defence Force. However, by the relaxation of the three principles regarding arms export practice by the government of Japan where even conventionally classified as weapon can be now allowed to export as long as it compiles with peace creation or international cooperation. Accordingly, the government is now allowing exporting of some of its defense systems for promotion of its home defense industry as well as lowering of defense cost.

Shin Maywa Ind., its manufacturer, is obliged to apply for civilian convertion of the aircraft and already requested to disclose technical specificaitons and data under copyright of the Defense Ministry that accepted the request.

Indian government has indicated an intention to purchase US-2 to Japan since three years ago. At joint naval exercise at Sagami bay in last June, officials of Indian navy witnessed high performance of US-2 and brought back with positive impression of the flying boat..

Indian government is planning to deploy US-2 to both rescue and anti-piracy operations. Enhanced saftey of navigation in Indian Ocean would mean a more stability of sea lane of communication (SLOC) from middle east to Japan.

According to a Japanese official, countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei are also showing interest in purchase of US-2.  When such ASEAN nations as well as India share the same aircraft with shared technical knowledge and operation maneuvers, ‘it would play a diversionary force againt China who is trying spread its force in the seas at the region,’ said the governement official.

US-2 is rescue flying boat and it is the only type that can land on rough sea water with waves as high as three meters. Operaitonal range: 4,700 Km, Cruising speed: 480 Km