일본의 무기 수출? 웃고 있는 K-방산의 속사정 [본게임2] 289회 @KFNPLUS

The Japanese government has effectively lifted arms export restrictions that had been in place for over 80 years since the end of World War II, setting out in earnest to target the global defense market. By revising the operational guidelines for the "Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfer" in April 2026, the government has opened the way for the export of not only finished weapons of mass destruction—such as fighter jets, frigates, and missiles—but also related parts and technologies. The primary backdrop for this policy shift has been China's military expansion. As China expands its influence by leveraging its aircraft carrier capabilities, Japan is intensifying its strategy to counter China by strengthening the military power of its allies. Japan has secured its largest-ever defense export deal since the end of World War II by agreeing to supply 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia, and is aiming to further expand exports by entering the bidding process for New Zealand's next-generation frigate project. In addition, plans are being pursued to transfer up to six Abukuma-class frigates scheduled for retirement to the Philippines, and Asagiri-class destroyers specialized in anti-submarine warfare to Indonesia, either free of charge or at a low cost. In the army sector, the Type 10 tank was put forward as an alternative for replacing the Philippines' armored forces, while in the missile sector, Japan demonstrated its anti-ship missile operational capabilities by publicly firing the Type 88 surface-to-ship missile during the Balikatan 2026 joint exercise. Furthermore, with the joint development of the Global Parallel Injection (GPI) with the United States, the Japanese defense industry is expanding exports, while the K-defense industry is also facing a new phase of competition. Can Japan truly leap forward as a new defense powerhouse? In [The Main Game 2], we will examine the second part of the story regarding Japan opening the floodgates for lethal weapons exports and the rapid emergence of competitors threatening the K-defense industry, continuing from last week.