TOKYO: Debt-strapped Japan on Tuesday relaxed its self-imposed decades-old ban on military equipment exports in a move that will open up new markets to its defence contractors and help the nation squeeze more out of its defence budget.
The government’s security council agreed to the relaxing of the ban to allow Japan to take part in the joint development and production of arms with other countries and to supply military equipment for humanitarian missions, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said at a news conference.
“The new standards (on weapons exports) are a result of the government considering measures that required attention amid recent changes to the environment surrounding international defence equipment,” Fujimura said, referring to rising arms costs that could put strain on the government, with public debt twice the size of its economy.
The rule adopted in 1967 banned sales to communist countries, those involved in international conflicts or subject to United Nations sanctions.
It later became a blanket ban on exports and on the development and production of weapons with countries other than the United States, making it impossible for manufacturers to participate in multinational projects. (UNI)