Tokyo: Japan’s Defense Ministry is promoting the use of environmentally friendly defense equipment, with the aim of balancing efforts to address environmental issues and to beef up the country’s defense capabilities.

Eco-friendly biofuel called sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, was used for a government jet carrying Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on his overseas visit to attend a Group of 20 summit and other international gatherings this month.

A total of 5,000 liters of SAF was used to cover some 10 pct of the fuel consumed by the Boeing 777 jet operated by the Air Self-Defense Force during the trip.

The use of SAF is estimated to have cut carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 1 ton, compared with flights using regular fuel, according to the ASDF.

It was the first time that domestically made biofuel was used for a Self-Defense Forces-operated airplane.

The fuel used for the government jet was produced by biotechnology firm Euglena Co.

Made from fat extracted from euglena and used cooking oil, the fuel is said to realize carbon neutrality.

In August, the ministry compiled a strategy on dealing with climate change and established a working group to discuss climate change’s implications for the security field.

Since decarbonization efforts give advantages in terms of diversifying energy risks, the ministry is considering promoting a shift away from the use of fossil fuel and introducing hybrid combat vehicles.

In its budget request for fiscal 2023, the ministry sought funds to introduce electric vehicles for the ASDF to use at airports.

The use of the biofuel for the government jet flight was part of the decarbonization initiative. “It was an important step in responding to climate change appropriately,” ASDF Chief of Staff Gen. Shunji Izutsu said.

While there is still a long way toward the full-fledged use of SAF, Izutsu pointed out that making defense equipment eco-friendly has become a global trend. The U.S. military has tested the use of such fuel for fighter jets.

“We’re working to enable as many airplane types as possible to use such fuel,” Izutsu said.

JIJI Press