Japan lifts ban on lethal weapons exports, marking major policy shift

Japan has lifted its decades-old ban on lethal weapons exports, signifying a major shift in its pacifist policy. This move is expected to enable the country to sell weapons, including next-generation fighter jets and combat drones, overseas.

Tue Apr 21 2026

Japan's Major Shift in Pacifist Policy

Japan has significantly altered its decades-old pacifist policy by lifting the ban on lethal weapons exports. This decision allows Japan to sell weapons overseas, marking a crucial change in its post-war security policy.

Paving Way for Overseas Sales of Next-Gen Fighter Jets

This approval removes the final hurdles for Japan's post-war arms sales, facilitating the future sale of weapons such as a next-generation fighter jet and combat drones. The move represents a significant turning point in Japan's military sales policy and opens up possibilities for an expanded role in the international arms market.

*Source: Al Jazeera, NPR News (2026-04-21)*

Tags: #Japan #arms exports #pacifist policy #security policy #defense