Japan lifts ban on lethal weapons exports in major shift of pacifist policy

Japan could soon sell weapons overseas, including fighter jets, in major shift from pacifist policies introduced after World War II.The cabinet of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has lifted a ban on exporting lethal weapons, including fighter jets, in a major shift to Japan’s pacifist post-World War II constitution.In a post on X announcing the changes on Tuesday, Takaichi did not specify which weapons Japan would now sell overseas. However, Japanese newspapers said the changes would encompass fighter jets, missiles and warships, which Japan has recently agreed to build for Australia.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4What are Iran’s $100bn in frozen assets and where are they held?list 2 of 4Can Japan’s arms industry gain from Trump trust loss?list 3 of 4North Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea off its east coastlist 4 of 4Australia and Japan sign contracts for $7bn warships dealend of list“With this amendment, transfers of all defence equipment will in principle become possible,” Takaichi said, adding that “recipients will be limited to countries that commit to use in accordance with the UN Charter”.“In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone.”At least 17 countries will be eligible to buy weapons manufactured in Japan under the changes, Japan’s Chunichi newspaper reported, adding that this list may be expanded if more countries enter into bilateral agreements with Japan.Previous rules, introduced in 1967 and enacted in 1976, had limited Japanese military exports to non-lethal arms, such as those used for surveillance and mine sweeping, Japan’s Asahi newspaper reported.Asahi also reported that Japan will still restrict exporting weapons to countries where fighting is currently taking place, but exemptions are allowed under “special circumstances” where Japan’s national security needs are taken into account.Countries interested in buying Japanese-made weapons include Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Indonesia, which recently signed a major defence pact with the United States, Chunichi reported, citing Japan’s Ministry of Defence.