Japan is entering a historic turning point in its defense policy. The government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has decided to ease restrictions that have until now limited exports of military equipment, thus paving the way for the sale of Japanese weapons systems to around fifteen partner countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and several States of the Indo-Pacific region.
This decision marks a break with the pacifist doctrine adopted by Tokyo after the Second World War. Japan now intends to become a full player in the global arms market, in a context of growing tensions in Asia.
The evolution of Japanese policy could, however, upset the regional balance, particularly with regard to South Korea, already firmly established on the international defense market. Seoul notably exports the K2 Black Panther tank, the K9 howitzer, air defense systems and warships to several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the Philippines.
Experts believe that Japan and South Korea will now have to deal with strategic cooperation and commercial competition. The two countries face the same security challenges: North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic programs, the rise in military power of China and the rapprochement between Beijing and Moscow.
Tokyo has major strengths in several cutting-edge sectors, including naval technologies, missiles, advanced sensors, electronic warfare and space systems. A first success has already been recorded with Australia’s decision to choose a Japanese frigate rather than a South Korean model.
According to several analysts, Japan could quickly become a key player in new generation military technologies, while strengthening its strategic role in the Indo-Pacific in the face of China’s growing ambitions.
