The Japanese government and ruling party have revealed plans to adjust existing arms export policies, specifically concerning weapons developed jointly with other countries. This shift indicates an intention to expand the export of these arms to third countries, beyond just those nations directly involved in the joint development. The government has also resolved to remove previous restrictions that limited the purpose of exported domestic arms to five categories, signified by the recent discussions among officials of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai. A special session of the Diet is expected to consider these changes, which would relax existing regulations on arms exports while revising operational guidelines for defense equipment transfers.

Additionally, the removal of the previous five-category restriction points to a broader strategy of enhancing Japan's arms manufacturing capabilities and its role in global military dynamics. Previously, exports of weapons developed through international collaboration were generally limited to the partner nations involved in such projects. However, with ongoing negotiations regarding the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for a next-generation fighter jet involving Japan, the UK, and Italy, this policy adjustment signifies a pivot towards allowing arms transfers to other nations, potentially impacting Japan's international relations and defense posture significantly. This new policy could foster closer defense ties with countries that are not direct partners in joint developments, thereby expanding Japan's armament market.