On March 24, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan held an executive meeting where they approved a proposal aimed at expanding the country's arms exports. This approval is part of a broader initiative to revise the operational guidelines surrounding the transfer of defense equipment, specifically the three principles governing such transfers. By removing the restriction that limited weapon exports to five specific categories—namely for search and rescue, transportation, surveillance, and mine-clearing—the proposal paves the way for more flexibility in international arms cooperation. Additionally, the new policy includes provisions to permit arms exports to countries involved in combat under exceptional circumstances.

The proposal was initially outlined in a draft approved during a full LDP meeting on March 20. The finalized proposal will be presented to the government in early March after approval at the LDP's overall meeting on March 25. The government is expected to incorporate these recommendations into a planned revision of operational guidelines during the current session of the National Diet, a process that does not require legislative changes. The swift revision is viewed as a response to the growing international interest in Japan's defense products, expressing the LDP's desire to enhance Japan's defense capabilities on a global scale.

After the meeting, LDP Security Research Committee Chairman Itsunori Onodera emphasized the importance of quickly adapting operational guidelines to facilitate Japan's international defense equipment engagement. The changes aim to strengthen Japan's position in the global arms market, reflecting a strategic shift in the country’s defense policy and international collaboration in defense production. This is seen as a significant move, aligning with broader trends in regional security dynamics and Japan's evolving role in military alliances.