Japan has expressed interest in acquiring US-made C-17 military transport aircraft to enhance its rapid deployment and tactical logistics capabilities.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the potential purchase with US President Donald Trump during their bilateral meeting in Washington, DC, according to Kyodo News.
The proposal was purportedly welcomed by the US.
While the specific aircraft type discussed has not been publicly disclosed, Tokyo is believed to be seeking the C-17 Globemaster III tactical airlifter.
Ishiba has long been interested in the four-engine Boeing aircraft, dating back to his days as the country’s defense minister.
If the plan moves forward, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) would likely receive secondhand C-17s, as Boeing ceased production of new units in 2015.