Japan Moves Closer to Allowing Export of Lethal Weapons

Japan took a concrete step on Wednesday toward loosening its long-standing restrictions on arms exports, after a panel within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party backed a proposal to ease limits on defense equipment transfers.

The plan, approved by the party’s Research Commission on Security, is expected to be submitted to the government early next month and could be implemented later this spring. Parliamentary approval would not be required.

If adopted, the proposal would end the current rule that restricts military exports to five nonlethal categories — rescue, transport, reconnaissance, surveillance and minesweeping. Instead, defense equipment would be divided into two groups: lethal items such as warships and fighter jets, and nonlethal items such as radars.

Decisions on exporting lethal equipment would be made by Japan’s National Security Council, which includes the prime minister and key ministers. Such transfers would be limited to countries that have defense equipment and technology agreements with Japan. In principle, exports to countries engaged in ongoing conflicts would be prohibited, although exceptions could be considered if Japan’s national security is directly affected.

Japan has historically enforced strict controls on arms exports. However, rising geopolitical tensions and the country’s growing involvement in joint defense-industrial projects have led to renewed discussion about revising those rules.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament that the government must move quickly to review the framework, pointing to shifts in the regional security environment and the need to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities. She also said the changes could support economic growth by enhancing supply-chain cooperation and advancing dual-use technologies.

Public opinion appears divided but leaning supportive. A Cabinet Office survey released last month found that 68.3% of respondents viewed overseas transfers of defense equipment positively. Even so, the proposal stresses the importance of providing clear explanations to lawmakers and the public.

Takaichi’s administration hopes to finalize the revisions before her planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on March 19, though the schedule may change.