Tokyo and Manila have begun informal consultations over a potential sale of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Type 03 Chu SAM, marking a possible breakthrough in Japan’s long-standing prohibition on exporting lethal weapons. The dialogue is occurring as the Japanese government considers removing functional export restrictions under the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, which currently limit defense sales to missions like rescue, surveillance, and minesweeping. Allowing export of a complete missile system such as the Chu SAM would signal a major policy evolution and demonstrate Japan’s intent to bolster regional partners facing growing pressure from China. For the Philippines, the system would significantly strengthen its medium-range air defense network. For Japan, it would reinforce its emerging role as a strategic security provider in the Indo-Pacific and deepen cooperation with a key regional ally.
