In a significant development, the Japanese government has made the historic decision to sell Patriot air defense missiles to the United States, marking a departure from its post-World War II era restrictions on exporting complete lethal weapons to allied nations.

Japan's national security cabinet recently updated its export rules, allowing for the shipment of fully assembled weapons systems, in contrast to the previous permission limited to the transfer of weapon components.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary for Japan's executive branch, Yoshimasa Hayashi, announced on Friday that the revised rules would enhance the U.S.-Japanese alliance and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

This sale of Patriot missiles holds indirect implications, potentially enabling the U.S. to aid Ukraine in the face of the ongoing Russian invasion. While Japan prohibits the transfer of its weapons to conflict-involved third-party nations, the availability of more air defense systems in Washington's inventory could potentially support Ukraine.

Reacting to the news, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed appreciation for the decision, stating that it would contribute to Japan's security and the Indo-Pacific region's peace and stability. He stressed the importance of maintaining a credible deterrence and response capability in collaboration with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Since the end of World War II, Japan has pursued a policy of limited self-defense force and a ban on arms exports. However, in 2014, Japan lifted export prohibitions for arm transfers, with the condition that the recipient countries were not involved in a conflict, part of the "communist bloc," or subject to United Nations restrictions.

With growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region involving the U.S., Japan, North Korea, and China, Japan has now moved away from its longstanding pacifist stance. Notably, last year, the nation announced a national security strategy that allowed for counterstrike capabilities, marking a significant departure from its previous policies emphasizing limited self-defense.

Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's leadership, Japan has expanded its military budget and embarked on a five-year plan to bolster defense capabilities. In the recently approved budget for the next fiscal year, defense spending will surge by 16 percent. This increase in funding will expedite Japan's efforts to deploy long-range cruise missiles and procure additional American weapons, including F-35 combat jets.

Japan's decision to sell Patriot missiles to the U.S. underscores a significant shift in its defense strategy and showcases its commitment to deepening alliances and ensuring regional security. The move also reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region, where nations are increasingly taking steps to bolster their defense capabilities.