Japan has long had tough rules on arms exports. That may soon change.

Japan has long had some of the world’s strictest restrictions on arms exports. But things are set to change radically — as early as next spring.

Intensifying geopolitical rivalries, a new coalition partner and a winning bid to sell modern frigates have presented the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with a unique opportunity to scrap a requirement limiting Japan’s military exports to five nonlethal categories.

The envisioned policy change, part of a number of defense initiatives stipulated in October’s ruling coalition agreement, would pave the way for the export of a much broader range of equipment — both new and used — including lethal systems, at a time of growing security tensions across the globe.