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South Korea’s arms exports face competition as Japanese weapons hit the market
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This undated handout photo released by the Australian Defence Force on Aug 5, 2025 shows the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force frigate JS Mogami sailing in an undisclosed location.
PHOTO: AFP
- Japan lifted its lethal weapon export ban, signing defence deals with the Philippines and Indonesia amid rising global tensions.
- This creates significant competition for South Korea's defence industry, which thrived after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked military buildup in Europe.
- Japan faces challenges expanding defence exports due to limited industrial capacity, lack of specialisation, and divided public support for the policy shift.
AI generated
SEOUL – Since lifting its decades-long ban on exporting lethal weapons, Japan has moved swiftly on deals with Indo-Pacific defence partners.
On May 6, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the launch of a joint task force with the Philippines to explore the early transfer of Japan’s used destroyers and other defence equipment.
