Japan Eases Arms Export Restrictions This Month

Japan is set to formally ease its longstanding arms export restrictions this month, marking the most significant shift in its postwar defense policy and opening the door for the country to become a major supplier of military equipment to allies worldwide.

The changes, approved this week by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling party, will scrap limits that previously confined exports to five non-lethal categories: transport, relief and rescue, early warning systems, surveillance, and mine clearance. Japanese government officials said the revisions maintain a ban on sales to conflict zones except in extraordinary circumstances. The move aims to revitalize Japan's defense industry, which receives about $60 billion annually in domestic spending and produces advanced systems including submarines and fighter jets.

The policy pivot comes amid uncertainties in U.S. security commitments under President Donald Trump and strains on American weapons supplies due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and tensions involving Iran. Officials and diplomats noted that European and Asian allies are seeking to diversify away from heavy reliance on U.S. arms, which have faced delays and cost overruns. A...