With the government budget for fiscal 2001 now in preparation, a controversial question concerning defense procurement looms large: Do the Self-Defense Forces need in-flight refueling aircraft? The Defense Agency is requesting appropriations to purchase one such aircraft in the year beginning next April.
Under the present circumstances, the answer to the question is at best uncertain. It is doubtful whether Japan should bolster its air defense capability in such a manner when the possibility of military confrontation in areas around the nation is visibly diminishing, as evidenced by recent moves toward dialogue and rapprochement with North Korea.
The ruling coalition is divided on this question. New Komeito is taking a cautious stand. Even key members of the Liberal Democratic Party, including Secretary General Hiromu Nonaka and Policy Research Council Chairman Shizuka Kamei, are skeptical. The final decision is to be made in late December when the budget is finalized. The government and the ruling parties must be very careful to avoid a hasty conclusion.