The Japanese government has begun considering a revision to the Self Defense Forces Law. The change would allow used defense equipment exports free of charge or at low cost. A primary example involves sending destroyers to the Philippines. China continues its aggressive maritime expansion in the region.
The government plans to revise three security documents by the end of this year. These include the National Security Strategy. The government aims to revise the SDF Law during next year’s ordinary Diet session. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi will visit the Philippines and Indonesia in May to discuss the exports.
Under current law, the Public Finance Law regards defense equipment as state property even after use. Article 116-3 of the SDF Law allows transfers of non lethal equipment only. It explicitly excludes weapons and ammunition including destroyers.
The government revised operational guidelines for defense equipment transfer on Tuesday. The new rules allow exports of lethal weapons in principle. The Philippines and Indonesia are among 17 eligible countries.
The Philippines is considering acquiring Abukuma class destroyers from Japan. Indonesia reportedly wants to acquire used Oyashio class submarines. A senior Defense Ministry official said many countries lack financial resources to purchase used equipment at high prices. The Liberal Democratic Party noted that SDF weapons should be eligible for grant aid. The used defense equipment exports would mark Japan’s first such transfers if approved.
