TOKYO — Japan is rushing to expand exports of defense equipment under arms export rules eased a year ago, agreeing to supply Patriot missiles to the U.S. and moving ahead with the development of a fighter jet with Italy and the U.K.
The cabinet revised the nation’s three principles on defense equipment transfers and their implementation guidelines in December 2023. The new rules allow exports of defense equipment produced under licensing agreements to countries other than the U.S.
