Japan set for first arms export under new rules

Japan is set to approve its first arms export following relaxation of its self imposed ban, as the nation aims to boost its global military and economic presence, a report said Sunday.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to export a high performance sensor to the United States, which will use it in the Patriot Advanced Capability 2 (PAC-2) missile defence system to be exported to Qatar, the Nikkei business daily said without citing sources.

Tokyo’s decision, likely to become official later this month, comes after Japan in April amended its traditional strict ban on arms exports, particularly in cases where the products might be re-exported to countries engaged in conflict.

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