Overview
- Japan's ruling party approved scrapping the five-category cap on weapons sales, with the government expected to finalize the change this month while keeping a bar on shipments into active wars.
- Officials and diplomats report strong interest from potential buyers in the Philippines and Poland, and two Japanese officials say early approvals could include used frigates for Manila.
- Contractors such as Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric are adding staff and new facilities to handle exports, with Toshiba planning 500 hires and Mitsubishi Electric building overseas sales teams.
- Allies are looking beyond U.S. suppliers as wars strain American stockpiles and President Donald Trump questions security pledges, and Tokyo aims to foster Asia-based defense supply chains.
- The ruling cements a decade of gradual rollback since 2014, building on aid delivered through the Overseas Security Assistance program and on momentum from Australia's 2025 order for 11 Mogami-class frigates.