In Tokyo this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss strengthening defense ties between the two countries.
Japan’s air force may equip its fighter planes with Python-4 air to air missiles, manufactured by Rafael (Israel Armaments Development Authority), due to the extended development time of Japanese-made air missiles. Japan is interested in buying missiles from other sources, to bridge the gap, and meet immediate needs, until the Japanese missiles are ready.
During his visit to Tokyo this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss strengthening defense ties between the two countries. Relations in this field between Israel and Japan are currently undeveloped, but Japan is interested in expanding them, including procurement from Israel’s military industries.
Rafael confirmed that Japan recently express interested in Python-4 missiles. The Rafael spokesman said initial contact was made during the last Paris Air Salon, in June of this year, when a senior Japanese Air Force delegation arrived at the Rafael booth.
So far, Python-4 missiles have been supplied only to the Israel Air Force. Rafael is in contact with several other foreign air forces, to supply the missile, and is one of the finalists in a major Australian bid for tender.