The Japanese government has decided to lift the ban on the export of lethal weapons
On April 21, the Japanese government approved a decision that lifts restrictions on the export of lethal weapons. Thus, the country took an important step towards reviewing its defense policy. This is reported by Kyodo News.
After that, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on social networks that “now no country can protect its peace and security on its own, so it is necessary to have partners who support each other, particularly in the field of defense equipment.”
This concerns changes to the “three principles for the transfer of defense equipment and technologies,” which previously allowed exports only within five non-combat areas – rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and demining. From now on, according to the document approved on Tuesday, defense equipment will be classified as “weapons” or “non-weapons” depending on whether it has a lethal or destructive effect.
At the same time, the supply of non-military equipment, in particular radar surveillance and control systems, will no longer be restricted. Instead, arms exports, including destroyers and missiles, will be allowed only to those countries that have concluded agreements with Japan on the protection of classified information related to defense equipment and technologies.
Kyodo News notes that the updated principles generally do not provide for arms exports to countries where conflicts are ongoing, but allow exceptions “in special circumstances” if this meets Japan’s needs in this area.
The issue of arms exports will be considered and approved by the National Security Council. Separately, it was determined that the new-generation fighter jet, which Japan is creating together with the UK and Italy, will require government approval.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion, Japan significantly tightened sanctions against Moscow, increased support for Kyiv, and intensified the review of its own security policy. Against this background, the question of whether cooperation between Ukraine and Japan can develop into a strategic partnership – in the areas of defense technologies, nuclear energy, investment, and reconstruction – is becoming increasingly relevant.
