Japan's Security Policy

June 24, 2026

Japan’s Security Policy

Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology

On April 1, 2014, in accordance with the NSS, the Government of Japan set out the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology as a set of clear principles on the overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology that fits the new security environment. The new Principles replaced the previous “Three Principles on Arms Exports and Their Related Policy Guidelines.”

Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology

First Principle: Cases where transfers are prohibited (clarification of standards)

  1. Cases where the transfer violates obligations under treaties and other international agreements that Japan has concluded
    (Note) Chemical Weapons Convention, Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Anti-Personnel Mines Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty), and the Arms Trade Treaty, etc.
  2. Cases where the transfer violates obligations under UN Security Council resolutions
  3. Cases where the defense equipment and technology are destined for a country party to a conflict (a country against which the UN Security Council is taking measures to maintain or restore international peace and security in the event of an armed attack)
Transfers are prohibited

Second Principle: Limitation to cases where transfers may be permitted (securing transparency and conducting strict examination)

  1. Cases where the transfer contributes to active promotion of peace contribution and international cooperation
  2. Cases where the transfer contributes to Japan’s security

Third Principle: Limitation to cases where appropriate control regarding extra-purpose use and transfer to third parties is ensured

The Government of Japan will in principle oblige the Government of the recipient country to gain its prior consent regarding extra-purpose use and transfer to third parties

Strict examination and appropriate control
Through the appropriate overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology, Japan will seek to promote the maintenance of international peace and security more actively through timely and effective implementation of contribution to peace and international cooperation activities such as international peace cooperation, international disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, measures against international terrorism and piracy, and capacity building of developing countries. Additionally, Japan will make an effort to strengthen security and defense cooperation with Japan’s ally, the United States, as well as with other countries.

Review of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its Implementation Guidelines

On December 22, 2023, the Government revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and their Implementation Guidelines based on the new National Security Strategy formulated in December 2022.

Furthermore, on March 26, 2024, the Government adopted a Cabinet Decision on “the Transfer from Japan to Countries Other Than Partner Countries of Completed Products Related to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)” and revised the Implementation.

Additionally, on April 21, 2026, the Government again revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and their Implementation Guidelines based on the view that it is important to create a favorable security environment for Japan by further promoting defense equipment transfers and strengthening deterrence and response capabilities of the ally and like-minded countries. The relevant documents are posted below.

The review of the framework of transfer of defense equipment will further contribute to Japan’s security and to the peace and security of the region and the international community.

As the security environment becomes even more severe, no country can ensure its own peace and security alone; partner countries that support one another are essential. There are expectations from partner countries in the Indo-Pacific and Europe for Japan’s defense equipment and meeting these needs by transferring defense equipment will contribute to enhancing the defense capabilities of these countries, and by extension, to preventing conflicts from occurring. The fact that support and welcome for this review have been expressed by countries in Europe and North America, including all G7 members, as well as Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and India, is testament to this.

Simultaneously, Japan holds firmly to the principles of pacifism and has maintained this stance for over 80 years since the end of World War II. In full compliance with international export control frameworks, Japan will conduct strict examination of an individual case and ensure appropriate control. Moreover, when transfer may be permitted, the government will ensure a high level of transparency, including by notifying the Diet.

PM Takaichi ’s remarks in the Diet on 27 April 2026

On April 21, we revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and their Implementation Guidelines. However, our stance as a peace-loving nation committed to upholding the basic principles of the UN Charter, and our unwavering determination to maintain its path as a peace-loving nation as we have done hitherto, remain totally unchanged.

Through various measures, it is our intention to work toward creating a security environment favorable to Japan, while firmly upholding the fundamental principles of a peace-loving nation.

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