Japan’s Cabinet has approved ending a long-standing ban on exports of lethal weapons, a major shift from the country’s postwar pacifist posture as Tokyo seeks to expand its defense industry and deepen cooperation with partners. The guideline change, endorsed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet, removes previous restrictions and clears remaining hurdles for sales of systems such as next-generation fighter jets and combat drones.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the move is intended to strengthen Japan’s security and contribute to regional and international stability as the security environment around the country changes rapidly. The government says it will “strategically promote defense equipment transfer” to build an industrial base that supports resilience, while monitoring how transferred systems are managed.
Under the previous framework, Japan largely prohibited arms exports and limited defense-related transfers to five categories: rescue, transport, alert, surveillance and minesweeping. The new guideline eliminates those category limits and permits export of equipment including fighter jets, missiles and destroyers — a clear expansion beyond low-end items such as flak jackets, gas masks and civilian vehicles that Tokyo has supplied to Ukraine, and intelligence radar sold to the Philippines.
Initially, exports will be allowed only to 17 countries that have signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Japan. Individual sales must still be approved by the National Security Council, and the government says lethal weapons will, in principle, not be exported to countries actively engaged in war.
The policy change builds on earlier relaxations: Japan began exporting some nonlethal military supplies in 2014, and in December 2023 approved sales of dozens of lethal items and the return of licensed components to original licensors — a step that enabled transfers such as U.S.-designed Patriot missiles and cleared the way for joint development of a sixth-generation fighter with Britain and Italy.
Last week Tokyo formalized its largest-ever defense sale: a $6.5 billion agreement to deliver three Japanese-designed frigates to Australia and to co-produce eight more there. Australia called the policy shift important for developing an integrated defense industrial base. New Zealand has shown interest in Japanese frigates, and other regional buyers such as the Philippines and Indonesia have expressed interest in various Japanese systems. A recent visit by about 30 NATO representatives to Mitsubishi Electric underscored European interest as well.
The change is part of a broader push to grow Japan’s defense industry, reduce reliance on costly foreign arms and lessen dependence on U.S. basing. Japan has designated the defense sector as one of 17 strategic growth areas and is increasing funding for startups, academic research and dual-use technology. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has begun mass production of long-range missiles and plans hiring expansions in missile and shipbuilding divisions.
Tokyo has also stepped up military activity amid perceived threats from China, North Korea and Russia, participating in multinational drills and a trilateral exercise with the U.S. and the Philippines that included firing a T88 missile. Supporters of the policy say expanded exports and a stronger domestic industry will enhance deterrence and resilience.
Critics argue the move undermines the pacifist spirit of Japan’s postwar constitution, risks escalating regional tensions and could endanger Japanese safety. China has criticized the decision. The government frames the change as a measured, limited step — confined to partner countries, subject to oversight, and aimed at reinforcing regional stability while building an industrial base able to support Japan’s defense needs.
Photo caption: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters in Tokyo on April 13, 2026, after holding telephone talks with Pakistan’s prime minister.