lethal weapons

05.05.2026

EU boosts support for Armenia’s armed forces with €30 mln package

The exception is lethal weapons

TASS

Japan offers Indonesia and the Philippines lethal muscle to counter China

05.05.2026

Japan offers Indonesia and the Philippines lethal muscle to counter China

Japan’s defence minister is touring Southeast Asia this week with what analysts describe as a clear, if diplomatically understated, mission: turning Indonesia and the Philippines into harder targets for Chinese maritime ambition. Shinjiro Koizumi landed in Jakarta on Monday to sign a defence cooperation pact with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, coming hot on the heels of Tokyo’s landmark decision to lift a decades-old ban on the export of lethal weapons last month. He heads next...

SCMP Economy

Dozens Protest in Tokyo Against Japan's Eased Arms Export Restrictions

Politique·24.04.2026Résumé IA

Dozens Protest in Tokyo Against Japan's Eased Arms Export Restrictions

Dozens of protesters gathered in Tokyo's Shinjuku area on Friday to oppose the Japanese government's decision to ease decades-old arms export curbs, announced earlier this week by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government. Holding placards reading "Stop exporting lethal weapons!" and "No war", protesters chanted that the government must not decide on its own. Tokyo resident Ryozo Sawada expressed feeling an "unbearable sense of humiliation" about the policy shift, which critics argue erodes Japan's post-war pacifist tradition.

SCMP Economy

After 80 yrs, Japan opens its weapons sector to world - what it means for India

21.04.2026

After 80 yrs, Japan opens its weapons sector to world - what it means for India

Japan, shifting from its pacifist constitution, is now poised to export lethal weapons. This significant policy change, driven by regional security concerns, allows Tokyo to leverage its advanced defense technology. The move opens new avenues for its burgeoning defense industry, potentially transforming Japan into a major global arms supplier.

Times of India

21.04.2026

Japan to sell lethal arms in move away from post-war pacifism

Japan has overhauled its decades-long defence export rule, allowing the country to sell lethal weapons internationally amid rising global tensions.

ABC Top Stories

Japan to Lift Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports, Marking Shift from Post-War Pacifism

Japan to Lift Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports, Marking Shift from Post-War Pacifism

Japan announced plans to lift its ban on lethal weapons exports, marking a significant shift from its post-WWII pacifist policy. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that no country can protect its own peace alone, citing an increasingly severe security environment. The change allows Japan to export warships, missiles, and other weapons, including a $7.15 billion deal with Australia for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build three warships. Critics warn the policy could exacerbate global tensions, with protesters opposing the change.

CNBC

Japan Lifts Arms Export Restrictions, Opening Path to Ukraine Weapon Supplies

Japan's government has formally approved a revision of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, effectively lifting restrictions on arms exports including lethal weapons. The National Security Council will make export decisions, potentially opening the way for Japan to supply weapons to Ukraine. Japan currently has security agreements with 17 countries. Russia warned it would respond decisively if Patriot missiles supplied by Japan to the US end up in Ukraine.

TASS

Japan Endorses Scrapping Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports

Japan Endorses Scrapping Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports

Japan has endorsed removing its ban on lethal weapons exports, marking a significant departure from its postwar pacifist policy. The change aims to strengthen the country's domestic arms industry.

NPR World

Japan Lifts Decades-Old Restrictions on Export of Lethal Weapons