Japan eases arms export rules in major shift from pacifist policy
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government has set a goal to strengthen Japan’s defense industry. (Photo: REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool)
Japan has revised its restrictions on defense equipment exports to allow the sale of weapons abroad, Kyodo News reported on April 21.
The changes have already been approved by the Cabinet and Japan’s National Security Council. The move marks a significant shift in defense policy, as Japan has long positioned itself as a pacifist nation since its defeat in World War II, the outlet noted.
Easing export rules is part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s effort to strengthen Japan’s defense industry.
“No country today can protect its peace and security on its own. Partnerships are essential to support one another, including in defense,” Takaichi said after the changes were announced.
The revised policy removes previous restrictions that limited exports to five non-combat categories—rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and mine-clearing equipment.
While the new rules still formally prohibit arms exports to countries engaged in active conflicts, they allow exceptions under “special circumstances” tied to Japan’s security needs and U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defense equipment will now be classified into “weapons” and “non-weapons” categories, depending on whether the items have lethal or destructive capabilities.
Exports of non-weapon systems, such as radar warning and control systems, will face no restrictions. Weapons exports—including destroyers and missiles—will be limited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan on the protection of classified defense information and technologies.
Japan currently has such agreements with 17 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Japan’s defense ties with Ukraine have also expanded in recent months. In late March, Terra Drone Corporation signed a strategic partnership with Ukrainian drone manufacturer Amazing Drones, which develops interceptor drones.
Japanese media also reported in March that Tokyo is considering purchasing Ukrainian-made attack drones for its Self-Defense Forces.
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