The Japanese government has approved a major change in its security policy. At a cabinet meeting on 21 April, it officially amended the so-called „three principles for the transfer of defence equipment“ and their implementing rules.

This move has essentially opened the way for the export of weapons that can be used for direct combat.

The new regulation abolishes the previous restrictions under which only selected categories of defence equipment could be exported. Japan now allows the export of finished weapons systems, including lethal weapons. In addition, the possibility of supplying countries in armed conflict is now also envisaged under certain conditions.

CMG