Japan is considering a domestic version of the US foreign military sales program, under which the government provides domestically produced weapons to allied countries, Yomiuri Shimbun reported.
Under the measure, the Japanese government would serve as the primary contracting authority for defense equipment exports, rather than requiring domestic manufacturers to negotiate directly with foreign customers.
The proposal is intended to simplify overseas sales, expand government support for exporters, and address companies’ concerns about potential risks associated with defense exports.
It forms part of a broader plan to establish a new independent agency dedicated to supporting Tokyo’s defense industry.
The organization would coordinate public-private and cross-ministerial efforts currently shared between agencies such as the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, providing a single framework for export promotion, industrial development, and innovation.
Centralizing Export Support and Industrial Development
Beyond acting as a government-backed export channel, the proposed agency would provide end-to-end support for overseas customers, including maintenance, logistics, training, and other post-delivery services.
It would also serve as a centralized point of contact for foreign governments purchasing Japanese defense equipment.
The organization would also have a broader industrial role, administering grants and investments for startups developing dual-use technologies such as AI and drones, while supporting the expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity.
Among the options under consideration is a government-owned, privately operated model for selected production lines, allowing the state to secure additional capacity for ammunition and other defense equipment during periods of increased demand or emergencies.
