Japan on Tuesday effectively lifted its ban on the export of weapons with lethal or destructive capabilities.

Axar.az informs, citing Japan Times, the government scrapped restrictions limiting defense exports to the purposes of rescue, transport, vigilance, surveillance and minesweeping.

A strict ban on arms exports has long been in place, and Japan’s defense industry policy has now reached a major turning point.

“There is no change in Japan’s path as a peace-oriented nation or its adherence to basic principles,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on her X account on Tuesday. “We will strategically advance the transfer of defense equipment.”

Under a new classification based on lethal and destructive capabilities, exports of “weapons” such as destroyers and submarines will be subject to review by the National Security Council, and no restrictions will be imposed on “non-weapons,” including bulletproof vests.

Weapons exports will be limited to 17 countries that have signed agreements on the transfer of defense equipment and technology with Japan, including the Philippines and Indonesia.

While the government continues to ban exports to countries currently in combat, it has carved out an exception for “special circumstances,” which could allow exports to be approved if an ally or like-minded partner needs equipment.