Japan may lift ban on arms exports, opening door to possible increased defense support for Ukraine

Currently, Japan is considering lifting the ban on the export of weapons produced jointly with other countries. This, in particular, will pave the way for sending fighter jets developed jointly with Great Britain and Italy to other countries. In addition, it may allow Japan to increase its defense support to Ukraine.

Kyodo reports this with reference to sources familiar with this matter.

"In order to implement arms sales, the working group of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party, plan to resume discussions on relaxing the country's strict rules on the export of defense equipment in the second half of August," the report said.

At the same time, as the sources noted, the issue was previously expected to be considered in the fall.

Earlier, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told task force lawmakers that his government would soon put forward its views on the transfer of defense equipment and technology. He asked the members of the group to resume negotiations on this issue.

Kyodo sources said Japan is seeking to ease its strict "three principles" on defense equipment and technology transfer before it signs a treaty, possibly by the end of this year, on the three-way development of fighter jets by 2035 and seeks parliamentary approval next year. According to them, the agreement will provide for creating a coordinating body between Tokyo, London, and Rome, which will be entrusted with managing the project's progress. He is also expected to discuss the export of developed aircraft.

"This step was taken after the Kishida and Komeito LDP working group on July 5 compiled a report on the review of the three principles of the transfer of defense equipment in accordance with the Constitution on the renunciation of war," the publication notes.

Specifically, the report said the parties would agree to Japan's export of lethally armed defense equipment, including non-combat vehicles and ships, to countries with which Tokyo cooperates on security issues, provided that the purpose of such actions is rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance or trawling mines. The document also notes that members of the working group remain divided on whether Japan can export fighter jets developed jointly with other countries to third countries.

In addition, the government seeks to support the Japanese defense industry and expand support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, writes Kyodo.

Earlier, amid tight restrictions, Japan provided Ukraine with defense products such as body armor and helmets, while Western countries supplied missiles, tanks, and fighter jets.

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It should be noted that rescuers of the State Emergency Service received 14 specialized vehicles from Japan and UNDP.

It was also reported that the Ukrainian police would learn forensic skills from their Japanese colleagues, who gained experience in identifying bodies after the 2011 earthquake.