Can Japan Succeed in Selling Military Equipment to Bangladesh?

Reading Time: 2 minutes Japan’s shift from its post-war pacifist stance has opened avenues for defence exports, aligning with its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision. Bangladesh, strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, presents a potential partner in this endeavour. However, success hinges on navigating complex geopolitical, industrial, and operational landscapes.(AP News) Strategic Convergence: Japan and Bangladesh in the Indo-Pacific Bangladesh is pivotal to Japan’s FOIP strategy, with significant investments in infrastructure projects like the Matarbari deep-sea port. Defence cooperation could logically extend from this economic base. Japan has already upgraded its defence ties with India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, indicating a proactive security engagement approach. Japanese Defence Products: Suitability and Marketability Japan offers high-quality defence technologies in areas such as maritime platforms, submarines, ISR systems, and cyber capabilities. However, the higher cost of Japanese equipment compared to competitors like China, South Korea, and Türkiye, coupled with limited