May 6, 2026
JAKARTA – Having established a policy that allows the export of lethal weapons in principle, Japan intends to actively expand its exports of defense equipment overseas. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, currently on a tour of Southeast Asia nations, has begun a full-scale promotional campaign during the Golden Week holiday period.
“From the perspective of strengthening cooperation with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific region, we will proceed with meaningful transfers of defense equipment,” Koizumi told reporters after meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta on Monday.
In late April, the government revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, which govern exports of defense equipment as well as operational guidelines. The revisions abolished the five categories of defense equipment that Japan allowed itself to export: rescue, transport, vigilance, surveillance and minesweeping, paving the way to export destroyers and submarines.
During the meeting, Koizumi explained the revisions and said that Japan intends to further strengthen its contribution to peace and stability in the region. The Indonesian defense minister welcomed the move, expressing his desire to pursue cooperation under the new framework.
The two ministers signed the “Defense Cooperation Arrangement” to promote cooperation on defense equipment and technology. Indonesia is reportedly interested in acquiring Japan’s used submarines from the Maritime Self-Defense Force. The two countries have agreed to set up a working group of officials to begin discussions to formalize the details.
Koizumi was to hold talks with Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro in Manila on Tuesday. In facilitating the export of defense equipment, Japan seeks to enhance regional deterrence and response capabilities.