Story perspectives

Japan Greenlights $6.5 B Frigate Deal, Expands Arms Exports

4/25/2026

Center

Japan Arms Allies

Japan signed a $6.5 billion deal with Australia to deliver three frigates and co-produce eight more.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet approved new export guidelines permitting combat drones, warships and missiles to 17 partner nations.
U.S. Ambassador George Glass called the policy a historic step that will deepen defense cooperation.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned the world would resist Japan’s shift toward militarism.

Left

Japan Lifts Ban

Japanese newspapers Tokyo Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun warned lifting the export ban threatens the pacifist constitution.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Japan will lift its post-war ban on lethal weapons exports.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the policy deepens defence cooperation in the India-Japan partnership.
China’s spokesperson Guo Jiakun called shift reckless while expert Qian Feng warned it revives militarism.

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Japan Arms Allies

Japan signed a $6.5 billion deal with Australia to deliver three frigates and co-produce eight more.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet approved new export guidelines permitting combat drones, warships and missiles to 17 partner nations.
U.S. Ambassador George Glass called the policy a historic step that will deepen defense cooperation.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned the world would resist Japan’s shift toward militarism.

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