DHAKA: Japan is set to approve its first arms export following relaxation of its self-imposed ban, as the nation aims to boost its global military and economic presence.

A report said on Sunday, according to The Straits Times.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to export a high-performance sensor to the United States, which will use it in the Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) missile defence system to be exported to Qatar, the Nikkei business daily said without citing sources.

Tokyo’s decision, likely to become official later this month, comes after Japan in April amended its traditional strict ban on arms exports, particularly in cases where the products might be re-exported to countries engaged in conflict.

The government under prime minister Shinzo Abe eased the rules to allow exports of military products in a move aimed at letting Japan join international joint programmes to develop weapons and to grow its defence industry.

BDST: 1423 HRS, JULY 05, 2014