巴黎防衛装備展覽会: 日本首次參加

A few weeks ago the Yomiuri News on-line reported the following:

パリの兵器・防衛装備品展示会に初の日本ブース

2014年06月17日 21時38分

　【パリ＝三井美奈】パリ郊外で１６日開幕した世界最大規模の陸上兵器・防衛装備品の展示会「ユーロサトリ」に、初めて日本ブースが設けられた。

　日本政府が４月に閣議決定した「防衛装備移転３原則」で、条件を満たせば武器輸出が認められたのを受けた動きだ。日本の防衛産業は予算減などで地盤沈下が続いており、海外展開で活路を開く狙いがある。

　日本から参加したのは、三菱重工業や川崎重工業、ＮＥＣ、日立製作所など大手、中小あわせて１３社。パラシュートや架橋設備のほか、磁力を使って地中の様子を画面に表示できる地雷探知機、砲弾や地雷攻撃に耐えられる輸送用装甲車のモデルなど新技術が紹介された。仏紙ル・モンドが「日本の武器市場競争への回帰」と報じるなど、欧州での関心は高い。

　これまで、日本の防衛産業は取引先が自衛隊に限られていた。しかし、新３原則では平和貢献や国際協力、日本の安全保障につながることなどを条件に輸出や国際共同開発が認められた。

(試譯文)

On the 16^th (June) for the first time a Japanese booth was set up in the "Eurosatory", the world's largest show for land arms and defense equipment opened in the Paris suburbs.

Based on "the three principles on defense equipment transfer” which the Japanese government Cabinet had decided in April, there was a move to approving the export of arms if conditions were fulfilled. For the Japan's defense industry, due to a decrease in budget etc. its size was shrinking continuously, and was aiming at opening up a way out by overseas development.

The participation from Japan included major companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, NEC, Hitachi and together with smaller companies totaling thirteen. Besides parachutes and bridge construction equipment, there was a mine detector which could display a subterranean situation on a screen using magnetism. Also introduced was a model of an armored car for transportation etc. which could, using new technology, withstand artillery shells or mine attacks. The concern in Europe was high, a French paper Le Monde reported that "arms market competition from Japan has returned" etc.

For Japan's defense industry until now, the customer was restricted to the Self-Defense Forces. However, under the new three principles, on condition that it was connected with a peace contribution, an international cooperation, or for the security of Japan, both exportation and international joint development were acceptable.

Obviously Japan will earn influence overseas through the export of arms and new technology.