Japan is opening up its defense industry to the world. In this video, we break down why Japan is suddenly selling more weapons, what Japanese military hardware is actually on offer, and which countries are buying. From the Mogami-class frigate and Mitsubishi radar systems to Type 12 missiles, Patriot interceptor production, and future aircraft like GCAP, Japan is becoming a bigger player in the global arms market.
We look at why Tokyo changed its defense export rules, how China’s rise and growing tensions in the Pacific are shaping Japan’s strategy, and why countries like Australia and the Philippines are turning to Japanese-built military equipment. We also cover the limits of Japan’s defense industry, including production challenges, export restrictions, and whether Japan can really become a major arms supplier alongside the United States and South Korea.
00:00 – Intro
01:08 – Why Japan is selling now
05:01 – What Japan is actually selling
12:29 – The current state of Japanese exports
15:19 – Limits to Japan’s defense industry
16:49 – Channel updates
Recorded on: May 6th, 2025
Written by: Kyle Gunn
Edited by: Savvy
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