Japan Lifts Arms Export Ban, Enabling Submarine Sales to Indonesia

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TOKYO – The Japanese government’s policy underwent a total change on Tuesday (20/4/2026), after lifting the rules prohibiting arms exports. Quoted from First Post, the policy paves the way for the sale of fighter aircraft, missiles, and warships to foreign countries. In a statement issued after the Cabinet approved the changes, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that no country can guarantee its own peace and security. She stressed that countries increasingly need partners that can support each other, including through defence equipment. Financial Review reported that in the latest revision, Tokyo has removed rules limiting exports to non-combat categories, such as rescue and transportation, and introduced a framework distinguishing between “weapons” and “non-weapons” based on their lethality. Exports of non-lethal equipment, including radar systems or optical lenses, will face fewer restrictions, and weapons such as destroyers and missiles can be sold to 17 countries that have signed agreements with Japan. This means Japanese companies can sell advanced frigates to the Philippines or submarines to Indonesia.