Foreign sources have reported that the Japanese government is pursuing a plan to export Ground Self-Defense Force air defense missiles to the Philippines.
According to Kyodo News on the 30th, the equipment that Japan is considering exporting is a “Type 03 medium range surface-to-air guided missile,” which can intercept aircraft and cruise missiles. Japan is improving this missile so that it can also intercept ballistic missiles, etc., and plans to complete the work before April 2029. It is reported that the Japanese and Philippine governments informally exchanged opinions on the missile deal, and it is reported that the Philippine side also expressed interest.
It is reported that the Japanese government is also discussing a plan to export the Maritime Self-Defense Force “Abukuma” type frigate to the Philippines. Kyodo News reported that the Philippine Navy hopes to introduce at least 3 Self-Defense Force frigates.
The Takaichi Sanae Cabinet is promoting the strengthening of defense capabilities and an increase in defense costs, while also speeding up the expansion of arms exports. Japan allows the export of defense equipment only for five purposes, including rescue, transportation, surveillance, and fire damage (eliminating dangerous goods such as minesweeping and sea mines), but the Liberal Democratic Party is considering abolishing this restriction during the first half of next year. It is observed that if regulations are lifted, the Japanese government will immediately begin a specific review for the export of defense equipment.
In addition to the Philippines, Japan is strengthening defense cooperation with allies such as Australia and New Zealand. Japan Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is coordinating a meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Males in Tokyo on the 7th of next month. Japan plans to export the Maritime Self-Defense Force's newest “Mogami” type frigate to Australia, and they plan to discuss this in order to sign a contract before March next year. The two sides are likely to reconfirm policies to expand anti-threat and strengthen deterrence, and also exchange opinions on China's activities in the South China Sea.
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Japan is also working on a plan to sign a Mutual Military Assistance Agreement (ACSA) with New Zealand in Tokyo on the 18th of next month. Yomiuri said, “New Zealand emphasizes cooperation with the US and Japan and is conducting joint exercises with the US military and Self-Defense Force,” and “New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins will meet with Defense Minister Koizumi during his visit to Japan and visit the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka base.” New Zealand is also considering introducing Self-Defense Force frigates, and it has been observed that Japan is likely to seek to expand exports of defense equipment as a result.
