Enabling Forward Sustainment

Japanese Industry’s Potential Role in U.S. Airpower Readiness
Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Taylor via DVIDS

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Taylor via DVIDS

Available Downloads

The U.S. Air Force would face major sustainment and repair challenges in a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific theatre. This report explores how closer cooperation with Japan on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) could strengthen deterrence, reduce contested logistics risks, and enhance readiness. Japan's advanced industrial base, long-standing partnership with the United States, and growing commitment to defense industrial integration make it a promising partner on aircraft MRO. 

Building on existing frameworks such as the Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition, and Sustainment (DICAS) Forum and the Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF), this report offers concrete recommendations to accelerate bilateral MRO collaboration. It outlines how both governments and industry can align standards, policies, and investments to bolster sustainment capacity in the Indo-Pacific. 

This report was made possible by a grant from the government of Japan. 

Tags

Asia, Defense and Security, Defense Budget and Acquisition, Geopolitics and International Security, Defense Industrial Base, and Allies and Partners
Cynthia Cook

Cynthia R. Cook

Director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Nicholas Szechenyi

Nicholas Szechenyi

Vice President, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Senior Fellow, Japan Chair

Sarah Hendrick

Former Intern, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group

Javier Nater

Former Intern, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group

Programs & Projects

Related Content