Japan has ended a decades-long ban on military exports, allowing Japanese defence companies to sell lethal weapons to 17 allied nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several Southeast Asian countries.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marks a significant shift in Japan’s post-World War II defence policy. The restrictions, imposed under Japan’s pacifist constitution in 1947, previously limited overseas transfers to non-lethal equipment such as search and rescue, transportation, surveillance, and minesweeping systems.
“This amendment allows transfers of all defence equipment in principle,” Takaichi stated, citing an increasingly challenging security environment in which “no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone.”
The move aligns with Japan’s gradual departure from strict pacifism. In late 2023, Tokyo conducted its first lethal arms sale since 1947, supplying domestically produced Patriot missile components to the United States. These munitions are manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries under licence from American defence contractors Lockheed Martin and RTX.
Despite the policy shift, Takaichi emphasised that Japan remains committed to its pacifist principles. “There is absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war,” she said.
Japan’s constitution formally renounces war under Article 9 and pledges never to maintain armed forces. However, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) have evolved into a sophisticated military equipped with advanced weaponry.
The decision follows similar moves by previous Japanese governments and reflects growing regional security concerns, particularly regarding China’s military expansion and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. The policy change is expected to strengthen defence cooperation with allies while potentially boosting Japan’s defence industry.
