Japan To Lift Ban On Lethal Weapons Exports, Opens Door For Fighter Jet, Missile Sales

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 08:02 IST

Japan approves major shift in defence policy, lifting long-time ban on lethal arms exports, expanding military sales amid regional tensions, drawing criticism from China

Japan has approved a landmark shift in its defence policy, moving to lift long-standing restrictions on the export of lethal military equipment. The decision, cleared by the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marks a significant departure from the country’s post-World War II pacifist stance and removes the final barriers to overseas arms sales.

The policy change is part of Tokyo’s broader effort to strengthen its defence capabilities and expand cooperation with key security partners amid rising regional tensions.

China Criticises Japan’s Move

While allies such as Australia have welcomed the move, it has drawn criticism from China. Several nations across Southeast Asia and Europe have also shown interest in Japan’s advanced defence technology, news agency AP reported.

Critics within Japan argue that the decision undermines the spirit of its pacifist constitution and could heighten global instability, potentially putting Japanese citizens at greater risk.

For decades, Japan had tightly restricted arms exports, allowing only limited categories such as rescue and surveillance equipment. Under the revised rules, however, Tokyo can now export a wider range of military hardware, including fighter aircraft, missiles, and naval vessels—far beyond earlier provisions that covered items like protective gear, gas masks, and non-combat vehicles supplied to partners such as Ukraine and radar systems sold to the Philippines.

News world Japan To Lift Ban On Lethal Weapons Exports, Opens Door For Fighter Jet, Missile Sales

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