Sarah Newey TheTelegraph.com
Japan has lifted a post-war ban on weapons exports as it moves away from a pacifist stance that has defined its defence policy since the end of the Second World War.
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, announced the plans after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, writing on X that the change was necessary given the “increasingly challenging security environment”.
As it stands, exports of Japanese-made defence equipment and technology are limited to five non-combat categories – rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.
But, boosted by a sweeping election victory in February, Ms Takaichi’s government has removed these restrictions.
This opens sales of lethal systems, such as destroyers and missiles, to 17 countries which already have defence co-operation agreements with Tokyo, including the UK. Some restrictions will continue, including the sale of lethal weapons to countries in active combat.
“In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, and partner countries that support each other in terms of defence equipment are necessary,” said Ms Takaichi.