Japan Eases Arms Export Restrictions, Striving to Enter Global Arms Market
The Japanese government has relaxed its long-standing restrictions on defense equipment and technology transfers, aiming to secure a place in the global defense industry. However, analysts believe it will still take several years for Japan to achieve this goal.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 15:41
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 3rd, comprehensive foreign report) Japan has relaxed its long-standing restrictions on defense equipment and technology transfers, seeking to gain a foothold in the global defense industry. However, analysts believe it will still take several years for Japan to achieve this goal.
Agence France-Presse reported that after its defeat in World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan long maintained strict restrictions on arms exports, only allowing the export of non-lethal equipment such as for rescue, transport, and surveillance in recent years.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's government lifted these restrictions last month, allowing companies to export lethal weapons to 17 countries with which Japan has defense cooperation agreements, but sales to belligerent nations remain prohibited in principle, with exceptions only in special circumstances.
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), five Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, have already entered the top 100 global defense companies, but in the past, they mainly relied on domestic demand.
Analysts point out that if Japan focuses on high-tech fields, such as naval propulsion systems, advanced missiles, sensing equipment, and electronic components, it will help expand into international markets, but insufficient production capacity and manpower remain major constraints.
As global conflicts intensify, the international defense market is rapidly expanding. SIPRI points out that between 2016 and 2025, the market size increased by 41%, reaching nearly US$3 trillion. Although Japan's current export destinations are limited to 17 countries, they include major global military spenders such as the United States, Germany, India, and the United Kingdom.
Analysts note that with technological advancements and changing warfare patterns, especially the widespread application of drones, the arms market has become more fragmented, which Japan may benefit from.
On the other hand, Russia's significant decline in arms exports and the sometimes elusive US diplomatic strategy have also prompted importing countries to seek alternatives outside the United States. The Washington think tank Stimson Center stated in a research brief that this provides an opportunity for Japan, which possesses sophisticated technology.
Even before this policy relaxation, Japan's defense industry performance was not to be underestimated. Last year, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries won a large order for 11 warships from the Australian Navy. Japan is also currently collaborating with the UK and Italy to develop a new generation of fighter jets, and several Southeast Asian countries have reportedly expressed interest in purchasing used Japanese submarines and warships.
However, the industry generally believes that the new policy will have limited impact on performance in the short term. Mitsubishi Electric stated that the adjustments "will not immediately have a significant impact on business"; fellow company IHI also pointed out that the changes will not immediately drive business growth, but will help create a market environment that promotes international cooperation.
Analysts indicate that Japan still needs to strengthen its production capacity, technical personnel, supply chains, and delivery capabilities to enhance the competitiveness of its defense industry.
In addition to economic benefits, strengthening security cooperation is strategically necessary for Japan. Professor Heigo Sato of Takushoku University stated that with the expansion of China's military power and North Korea's nuclear threat, Japan's security risks continue to rise, and it "must actively expand its relations with other countries."
However, domestic public opinion in Japan remains skeptical about the policy shift. According to a recent Nikkei survey, 55% of respondents oppose expanding arms exports, indicating that the government still faces public pressure when promoting related policies. (Compiler: Tsai Chia-Min) 1150503
(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 3rd, comprehensive foreign report) Japan has relaxed its long-standing restrictions on defense equipment and technology transfers, seeking to gain a foothold in the global defense industry. However, analysts believe it will still take several years for Japan to achieve this goal.
Agence France-Presse reported that after its defeat in World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan long maintained strict restrictions on arms exports, only allowing the export of non-lethal equipment such as for rescue, transport, and surveillance in recent years.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's government lifted these restrictions last month, allowing companies to export lethal weapons to 17 countries with which Japan has defense cooperation agreements, but sales to belligerent nations remain prohibited in principle, with exceptions only in special circumstances.
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), five Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, have already entered the top 100 global defense companies, but in the past, they mainly relied on domestic demand.
Analysts point out that if Japan focuses on high-tech fields, such as naval propulsion systems, advanced missiles, sensing equipment, and electronic components, it will help expand into international markets, but insufficient production capacity and manpower remain major constraints.
As global conflicts intensify, the international defense market is rapidly expanding. SIPRI points out that between 2016 and 2025, the market size increased by 41%, reaching nearly US$3 trillion. Although Japan's current export destinations are limited to 17 countries, they include major global military spenders such as the United States, Germany, India, and the United Kingdom.
Analysts note that with technological advancements and changing warfare patterns, especially the widespread application of drones, the arms market has become more fragmented, which Japan may benefit from.
On the other hand, Russia's significant decline in arms exports and the sometimes elusive US diplomatic strategy have also prompted importing countries to seek alternatives outside the United States. The Washington think tank Stimson Center stated in a research brief that this provides an opportunity for Japan, which possesses sophisticated technology.
Even before this policy relaxation, Japan's defense industry performance was not to be underestimated. Last year, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries won a large order for 11 warships from the Australian Navy. Japan is also currently collaborating with the UK and Italy to develop a new generation of fighter jets, and several Southeast Asian countries have reportedly expressed interest in purchasing used Japanese submarines and warships.
However, the industry generally believes that the new policy will have limited impact on performance in the short term. Mitsubishi Electric stated that the adjustments "will not immediately have a significant impact on business"; fellow company IHI also pointed out that the changes will not immediately drive business growth, but will help create a market environment that promotes international cooperation.
Analysts indicate that Japan still needs to strengthen its production capacity, technical personnel, supply chains, and delivery capabilities to enhance the competitiveness of its defense industry.
In addition to economic benefits, strengthening security cooperation is strategically necessary for Japan. Professor Heigo Sato of Takushoku University stated that with the expansion of China's military power and North Korea's nuclear threat, Japan's security risks continue to rise, and it "must actively expand its relations with other countries."
However, domestic public opinion in Japan remains skeptical about the policy shift. According to a recent Nikkei survey, 55% of respondents oppose expanding arms exports, indicating that the government still faces public pressure when promoting related policies. (Compiler: Tsai Chia-Min) 1150503