ASAHI




 

The Japanese government entered the lethal weapons export business after lifting the ban on April 21 by revising the Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology.

The next day, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi started pitching military equipment. 

Takaichi held a phone conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on April 22. When Takaichi explained that Japan had dropped its ban on arms exports, Luxon reportedly welcomed the move.

During the talks, both leaders spoke about the improved version of the Mogami-class frigate based on vessels currently operated by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The Australian navy plans to introduce the upgraded version to its fleet; Luxon also showed interest in the model, according to sources close to the Foreign Ministry.

Takaichi had expressed previously that defense equipment transfers would enhance the capabilities of like-minded countries. She intends to actively pursue sales talks with other nations. 

The transfer of used MSDF Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines is widely seen as what will likely be the first export deal following the removal of the five-category restrictions.

For Japan, exporting weapons to like-minded countries in the South China Sea is also aimed at strengthening cooperation with an eye on China.

At a news conference on April 21, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said he wants to “further strengthen top-level sales efforts” toward other countries, and is scheduled to visit the Philippines and Indonesia in early May.

On the same day, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro issued a statement welcoming the move, saying that defense cooperation with Japan had “entered a new era.”

According to multiple Japanese government sources, arrangements are also being made to invite Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan as a state guest as early as late May.

The U.S. State Department also welcomed Japan’s lifting of the ban on the same day, calling it “a positive move for the Japan-U.S. alliance and international stability.”

U.S. weapons export deliveries to allies and partners have been routinely delayed due to the country’s production capacity constraints and becoming a problem.

Countries that have been forced to wait for deliveries have expressed hopes for a greater role by Japan.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement the same day, saying it hoped the move would be carried out “in a manner that maintains the spirit of Japan's pacifist Constitution while contributing to peace and stability in the region.”