Latecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defence spending
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government says the shift could help Japanese firms tap a global arms market that grew 41% to nearly $3 trillion.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government ended long-standing restrictions on lethal weapon exports last month, allowing Japanese firms to supply arms to 17 countries with defense cooperation agreements.
- Departing from a strict pacifist policy adopted after World War II, this shift represents a 'transition from a domestic, ministry-led procurement model to a normal practice,' Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Ian Ma said.
- The global defense market soared 41 percent between 2016 and 2025 to nearly $3 trillion, yet Rival IHI cautioned that Japanese firms face 'homework' including capacity and workforce shortages.
- A recent Nikkei poll found 55 percent of respondents opposed the strategy, while Mitsubishi Electric said the new rules would not have a 'significant immediate impact on our business.'
- Japan aims to focus on 'higher-tech niches' like advanced missiles and electronics to capture demand from countries seeking alternatives to the United States, according to the Stimson Center.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Japan Today
The Manila TimesLatecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defense spending
Long-pacifist Japan has shed its self-imposed ban on lethal weaponry exports, gunning for a prominent place in the global defense trade -- a challenging feat that analysts say…
Corking the Front Door: Japan’s New Role in the Global Siege of China
On April 21, 2026, Japan’s Cabinet officially scrapped decades-old restrictions on the export of lethal defense equipment. This decision by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marks the definitive end of the 1967-era "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment," effectively dismantling the final legal barriers of postwar pacifism. This is more…
Latecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defence spending, but obstacles remain
TOKYO, May 4 — Long-pacifist Japan has shed its self-imposed ban on lethal weaponry exports, gunning for a prominent place in the global defence trade — a challenging feat that analysts say could take years to achieve.Under Japan’s once-strict stance adopted following its World War II surrender and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it has generally restricted arms exports in recent times to non-lethal categories like rescue, transpo…
Japan Aims to Expand Its Share in the Global Defense Market
Japan is poised to increase its footprint in the rapidly expanding global defense market, seeking a share of the billions in spending driven by growing geopolitical tensions and shifting security priorities. Historically a cautious player in arms procurement and defense exports, Tokyo’s renewed ambition reflects a strategic pivot as it modernizes its military capabilities and fosters partnerships with key allies. This development signals a signi…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
