Japan Plans New Agency to Support Arms Exports, Modeled on US FMS
The Japanese government is considering establishing a new specialized agency to support defense equipment exports. Modeled on the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system, the state would act as the export window on behalf of companies, providing maintenance, repair, and training services. The policy is expected to be included in three key national security documents to be revised this year, with the goal of completing related legislation by next year.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 14:08
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 14:17 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 11, 2026 at 14:41 (24 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 11th, by Correspondent Dai Yazhen) The Japanese government is considering establishing a new specialized agency responsible for supporting defense equipment exports and other related businesses. It is also considering introducing the FMS system, where the state acts as the export window on behalf of companies, providing support for subsequent maintenance, repairs, and training. The relevant policy is expected to be included in three documents, including the National Security Strategy, which the government plans to revise within this year, with the aim of completing related legislation by next year.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan relaxed restrictions on defense equipment exports in April of this year, and export volumes are expected to increase. However, establishing a support system at the national level remains a major challenge.
While exports help expand the defense industry market, they often require specification modifications according to the purchasing country's needs and the provision of services such as maintenance, repairs, and training after export. It is not easy for companies to obtain contracts on their own. Therefore, the new organization will provide comprehensive support.
According to reports, the task of supporting the defense industry is currently handled by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The new agency may operate as an "Independent Administrative Institution," establishing a cross-ministerial support system while actively recruiting private-sector talent to integrate public and private knowledge and experience. Compared to the regular personnel rotations in government departments, the new organization will also make it easier to secure and cultivate specialized personnel.
Government sources revealed that in addition to promoting defense equipment exports, the new organization will also be responsible for supporting startups engaged in technological development such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones, and will help strengthen the production base of the domestic defense industry.
Because some companies are concerned about the reputational risks of taking on defense contracts, the Japanese government is also studying a system where the new organization procures equipment from companies, and the state acts as the contract window to sign agreements with foreign governments. The relevant design will be modeled on the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system.
Furthermore, to enhance the production capacity of munitions such as ammunition, the government will also promote a "publicly owned, privately operated" model, where the government holds the production lines and entrusts their operation to private companies. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150611
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan relaxed restrictions on defense equipment exports in April of this year, and export volumes are expected to increase. However, establishing a support system at the national level remains a major challenge.
While exports help expand the defense industry market, they often require specification modifications according to the purchasing country's needs and the provision of services such as maintenance, repairs, and training after export. It is not easy for companies to obtain contracts on their own. Therefore, the new organization will provide comprehensive support.
According to reports, the task of supporting the defense industry is currently handled by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The new agency may operate as an "Independent Administrative Institution," establishing a cross-ministerial support system while actively recruiting private-sector talent to integrate public and private knowledge and experience. Compared to the regular personnel rotations in government departments, the new organization will also make it easier to secure and cultivate specialized personnel.
Government sources revealed that in addition to promoting defense equipment exports, the new organization will also be responsible for supporting startups engaged in technological development such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones, and will help strengthen the production base of the domestic defense industry.
Because some companies are concerned about the reputational risks of taking on defense contracts, the Japanese government is also studying a system where the new organization procures equipment from companies, and the state acts as the contract window to sign agreements with foreign governments. The relevant design will be modeled on the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system.
Furthermore, to enhance the production capacity of munitions such as ammunition, the government will also promote a "publicly owned, privately operated" model, where the government holds the production lines and entrusts their operation to private companies. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150611