Japan Lifts Decades-Old Ban on Export of Lethal Weapons

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the cabinet led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approved a significant policy shift that allows the nation to sell advanced military hardware, including fighter jets, missiles, and warships, to foreign nations.

Prime Minister Takaichi announced via social media that the transfer of defense equipment is now fundamentally possible under the new guidelines. While a specific list of weapons has not been publicly released, Japanese media reports suggest that the framework covers cutting-edge missile systems and naval destroyers.

Government sources indicate that, initially, 17 friendly nations will be eligible to purchase Japanese military equipment. However, as a condition, purchasing countries must commit to using these weapons in strict accordance with the United Nations Charter.

The first major manifestation of this policy has already surfaced through a defense deal with Australia. Under a contract worth approximately $7 billion, the Japanese firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is set to construct advanced warships for the Australian Navy.

Military analysts suggest this radical strategic shift is aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Pacific and aligning Japan's defense capabilities with NATO-member standards.

While the move strengthens security ties with Western allies, it coincides with renewed diplomatic friction. Prime Minister Takaichi's recent decision to send a religious offering to the Yasukuni Shrine has sparked concerns of heightened tensions with China and South Korea, adding a layer of geopolitical complexity to Japan’s new assertive defense posture.