Key Facts
• November 6, Taro Kono shared thoughts on defense exports via social media.
• Kono served as Japan’s Defense Minister from September 2019 to September 2020.
• Japan faced ammunition shortages; Kono sought budget approval from Taro Aso.
• Old ammunition in storage was unusable due to updated firearms.
• Early 2025: European defense minister offered to handle Japan’s old ammunition.
• The ammunition was intended for Ukraine but rejected due to export restrictions.
• Japan’s defense exports are limited to five categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping.
• NATO countries also inquired about Japan’s ammunition but were declined.
• Kono emphasized global cooperation for security and proposed policy revisions.
• He advocated for expanding export categories to boost production and reduce costs.
Summary
Taro Kono, former Japanese Defense Minister, revealed challenges in Japan’s defense ammunition management and export policies. He recounted a 2019 incident where he sought budget approval to address ammunition shortages. Despite surplus old ammunition, it was unusable due to updated firearms. In early 2025, a European defense minister offered to handle Japan’s outdated ammunition for free, intending to supply Ukraine. However, Japan’s strict export rules, limited to five categories, prevented the deal. Kono disclosed similar inquiries from NATO countries, all declined. Highlighting the need for global security cooperation, Kono proposed revising export policies to expand production, lower costs, and strengthen Japan’s defense industry.
