TOKYO, July 17 (RIA Novosti) - Japan’s National Security Council approved the export of high-performance sensors produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to the United States, making it the first arms export since Tokyo lifted its self-imposed ban on such materials in April, Kyodo news agency reported Wednesday.
The high-performance sensors will be installed on the PAC-2 surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, intended for further export to Qatar. The Japanese company has been producing high-performance sensors for the PAC-2 system under a respective license from US defense contractor Raytheon.
Prior to the export, the Japanese government ruled that American exports of SAM systems to Qatar would not lead to an escalation of armed conflict in the region, leaving the final decision to the National Security Council.
The National Security Council of Japan approved the development of technology for air-to-air missiles jointly with the UK.
In April 2014, the Japanese government effectively waived the ban on arms exports, replacing it with three conditions under which companies are able to sell weapons abroad.
The restrictions are as follows: exports of weapons to countries participating in international conflicts are prohibited; if the respective arrangement poses a threat to the security of Japan; if the exported goods are used in ways other than the ones specified in the contract purposes or fall under unauthorized transfer to third countries. These conditions allow the Japanese manufacturers to export weapons and actively participate in the international arms market.
