TokyoReuters —
Japan on Tuesday announced the biggest overhaul of its defense export rules in decades, lifting restrictions on arms sales overseas and paving the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.
This move, aimed at strengthening Japan’s defense industrial base, marks a new step away from the pacifist restraint that has shaped postwar security policy.
Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are also straining U.S. weapons production and expanding opportunities for Japan. At the same time, U.S. allies in Europe and Asia are looking to diversify supplies as long-standing U.S. security commitments look less certain under President Donald Trump.
“No country can now protect its own peace and security alone, and we need partner countries to support each other in defense equipment,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a post on X.
Japanese officials and diplomats told Reuters that countries from Poland to the Philippines are exploring procurement opportunities as they modernize their militaries. One of the first deals could be the export of used warships to Manila, two people familiar with the matter said.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro welcomed Japan’s changes to export rules, saying in a statement that the changes will give the Philippines access to “highest quality defense products” that will “strengthen domestic resilience” and “contribute to regional stability through deterrence.”
The revised bill approved by Gao’s government removes five export categories that previously limited military exports to rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping equipment. Instead, ministers and officials will assess the merits of each proposed sale.
Japan will uphold three export principles, including strict screening, restrictions on transfer to third countries, and prohibition of sales to countries involved in disputes. But in a presentation outlining the changes, the government said exceptions could be made if deemed necessary for national security.
The Japanese government hopes these defense exports will strengthen its industrial base by increasing production, lowering per-unit costs, and adding manufacturing capacity that can be used in times of military crisis.
Contractors such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries can build advanced systems such as submarines, fighter jets and missiles, but for decades they have relied on small orders from a single customer: Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
Japan is undertaking an unprecedented effort to strengthen its military. The purchases include missiles, stealth jets and drones that it says are needed to deter threats to its territory from neighboring China, including around islands along the East China Sea near Taiwan.
Beijing has said its intentions in East Asia and other regions are peaceful.
The Japanese government is also working with Britain and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet for deployment in the mid-2030s, as part of a strategy to share development costs and gain access to new technology.
Japan has steadily increased its defense spending to 2% of GDP in recent years, and the Takaichi administration is expected to unveil a new security strategy and announce further increases this year.
