Japan plans to relax restrictions on defense equipment exports later this month, according to a draft government plan released Friday, allowing the sale of weapons, including those with lethal capabilities, to overseas buyers.
According to a draft government plan obtained by Kyodo News, parliament would be informed of weapon exports only after they are completed, a move likely to draw criticism from opposition parties who have demanded prior approval amid concerns about escalating conflicts or fueling an arms race.
The draft plan indicates that current rules restricting exports to five non‑combat categories—rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping—will be removed, permitting the transfer of lethal weapons to bolster the defense industry and enhance security cooperation with partners.
Sources familiar with the matter stated that the government is expected to submit the plan—drawn from proposals put forward by the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition in early March—to the LDP’s security research commission next week.
The proposed revision of the implementation guidelines for the ‘Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology’ is expected to receive approval by the end of this month.
Under the proposed changes, arms exports to countries engaged in armed conflict will remain prohibited in principle, though exceptions may be granted in special circumstances, taking into account Japan’s security requirements.
Defense equipment will be classified into two categories: weapons and non-weapons, depending on whether they possess lethal capabilities.
Exports of non‑weapons, such as warning and control radar systems, would face no restrictions, while weapons—including destroyers and missiles—would be limited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan.
According to the draft, decisions on defense equipment exports would be made solely by the National Security Council, except for the next‑generation fighter jet being jointly developed with Britain and Italy, which would require Cabinet approval.
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