Japan Allows Export of Lethal Weapons

The Japanese government today approved the export of weapons effectively ending its self-imposed ban on lethal weapons export.

According to the approved changes, all defense equipment will be divided into "weapons" and "non-weapons" categories depending on the presence of lethal properties, Kyodo news reported.

Exports of non-lethal equipment, such as radar warning and control systems, will not be restricted.

At the same time, exports of lethal weapons, including destroyers and missiles, are now permitted, but limited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan to protect classified information related to defense equipment and technology.

Japan currently has the following agreements with 17 countries: the United States, India, Germany, Indonesia, Sweden, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia, France, Italy, Thailand, and the UAE.

Exports to countries where hostilities are ongoing are prohibited. However, an exception may be made in "special circumstances" : the supply will be approved if an ally "needs such equipment."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that the country's course as a peaceful nation for more than 80 post-war years remains unchanged.

“Within the new system, we will strategically promote the transfer of defense equipment, making decisions about the possibility of such transfers even more strictly and prudently,” she wrote.