QUESTION: Please provide a readout of the meetings taking place today between Assistant Secretary Shapiro and Japanese officials at the U.S. Department of State.
ANSWER: Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew J. Shapiro met with Hideo Suzuki, Director General of Acquisition Reform, Japan Ministry of Defense. The officials discussed a wide range of political-military issues, including Japan’s plans to upgrade its air force with the purchase of 42 F-35 Lightning II aircraft and efforts to strengthen cooperation in the areas of defense technology research, joint planning, training, and exercises.
We are committed to working with our Japanese allies to help them develop the air power assets Japan needs to meet 21st Century challenges, contribute to its own self-defense and contribute to alliance missions in a manner that is both effective and efficient.
