Japan announced on Friday that it is preparing to ship Patriot air defense missiles to the United States after reviewing its arms export guidelines, marking the first major adjustment to the pacifist nation's export restrictions in nearly a decade. This announcement comes at a time when Japan, which has long maintained a stance against the export of lethal weapons, seeks to bolster its defense sector amid increasingly tense security conditions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Although the new export controls still prevent Japan from shipping arms to countries engaged in wars, they could indirectly benefit Ukraine in its conflict with Russia by enhancing the United States' capacity to provide military aid to Kyiv. A Japanese government official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that the missiles will be used to replenish the U.S. military arsenal for the safety and security of the Indo-Pacific region.
Under previous rules, Japan was only permitted to export weapon components and could not deliver complete weapons. The amended guidelines now allow Tokyo to export complete products to countries where licensed companies produce weapons. Any re-exports to third countries require authorization from Tokyo. Japan manufactures Patriot missiles under a license from the American companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
The Financial Times reported on Thursday that Tokyo is also considering exporting 155mm artillery shells it produces under a license from BAE Systems to the United Kingdom. The Japanese government official mentioned that the export would be considered once the country where the licensed company is located submits an official request, adding that the United States is the only country that has submitted a request thus far. The ruling party in Japan has been contemplating various changes to export controls for several months, as the rules could impede the ability to export next-generation fighter jets currently under development with the United Kingdom and Italy.
