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Australia’s recent decision to purchase advanced frigates from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries marks a significant milestone for Japanese defense exports. This contract highlights Tokyo’s growing presence in the global arms trade.
Japan’s constitution restricts its military to self-defense, and until 1967, lawmakers imposed a near-ban on arms exports. In 2014, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, restrictions were eased, allowing case-by-case transfers with strict end-use controls.
The updated “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology” state that sales can proceed if three conditions are met: the buyer is not under a U.N. arms embargo or involved in an active conflict; the transfer advances international peace or Japan’s security; and Tokyo maintains strict end-use and re-transfer controls, including prior consent for any third-party transfer.
Japan has already exported frigates to several countries, including Australia, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In November 2024, India and Japan signed an agreement to co-develop the UNICORN integrated communications mast for Indian Navy ships. This technology is also used on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates.
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Indonesia is currently negotiating with Japan to acquire eight Mogami-class frigates, a move aimed at enhancing security cooperation in Southeast Asia. The Philippines has received spare parts for U.S.-made helicopters and will soon receive radars from Japan to improve its surveillance capabilities amid territorial disputes with China.
Japan also plays a role in developing next-generation fighter jets alongside the United Kingdom and Italy. This new stealth fighter aims to replace Eurofighter Typhoons and Japan’s F-2, competing with sixth-generation fighters being developed by U.S. and Chinese defense firms.
These developments reflect Japan’s evolving role from a pacifist nation to an active player in global arms trade.
