Japan eases decades-old arms export limits as security environment changes
By Tim Kelly
Japan on Tuesday unveiled a landmark overhaul of its defense export regulations, lifting restrictions on overseas arms sales and paving the way for warship, missile, and other weapon deliveries.
The move, aimed at bolstering Japan’s defense industry base, marks a new phase in Tokyo’s shift away from the pacifist constraints that have defined its security policy since World War Two.
It comes amid ripe opportunities, with U.S. arms production geared towards conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and European and Asian allies of the United States seeking to diversify suppliers amid uncertainties over Washington’s security commitments.
“No country can now protect its peace and security alone,” said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on social media X. “Partner nations supporting each other in defense equipment are necessary.”
Japanese officials and diplomats have told Reuters that a range of countries, from Poland to the Philippines, are considering sourcing military equipment as they modernize their armed forces.
According to sources, one of Tokyo’s first agreements could be supplying warships to Manila.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro welcomed Japan’s lifting of defense export restrictions, stating it would provide Manila access to “high-quality defense articles” contributing to regional stability through deterrence.
RISING DEFENSE BUDGET
Tokyo removed restrictions on five defense equipment categories, as most of its military exports were previously limited to disaster relief, transport, prevention, and surveillance equipment.
Government and Japanese officials will now evaluate sales proposals on a case-by-case basis.
Some restrictions will remain, such as controls on potential equipment transfers to third countries and a ban on sales to conflict-involved nations.
However, the Japanese government indicated in a detailed document outlining the changes that exceptions could be granted when deemed necessary for national security reasons.
With this regulation overhaul, Tokyo hopes to boost its industrial base, taking advantage of increased production volumes and reduced unit costs, with the prospect of manufacturing capabilities ready to respond to a potential military crisis.
Companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries can produce advanced systems such as submarines, fighter jets, and missiles, but have relied for decades on limited orders from a single customer – the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
Tokyo has embarked on an unprecedented military strengthening drive, acquiring missiles, fighters, and drones, described as necessary to counter any threat from China, particularly near the disputed waters in the East China Sea, close to Taiwan.
Japan is also collaborating with the UK and Italy on a next-generation fighter jet project set to launch in the mid-2030s.
It is expected that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government will announce further defense spending increases this year, which have regularly risen in recent years to reach 2% of Japan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
(Tim Kelly, with contribution from Mikhail Flores in Manila; French version by Jean Terzian)
