Japan ruling bloc panel to discuss exports of finished arms

Relaxation of principles would pave way to transfers of jointly devised weapons

20230906 SDF F15

Japan, which will soon retire 100 F-15s produced in Japan under U.S. licenses, would like to export the engines to Southeast Asia. (Photo by Konosuke Urata)

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- A working group in Japan's ruling bloc on Wednesday held a meeting to discuss broader exports of jointly developed defense equipment, eyeing the transfer of weapons produced by Japan under U.S. licenses and of those made under agreements with countries other than the U.S.

Some lawmakers in the governing Liberal Democratic Party say guidelines should be revised to allow for support to Ukraine, which has been going up against Russia's war machine for more than 18 months now.

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