Japanese companies showcase latest defense equipment and technologies in Thailand trade show 10211155.

Twelve companies, including Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., NEC Corp. and chemical maker Teijin Ltd., took part in the Japanese pavilion, which drew a visit from Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan.

In April 2014 the Japanese government finally lifted its postwar ban on the export of defense products. Tokyo approved its first arms export this summer with the supplying of PAC-2 missile parts to the U.S., which will then sell the completed Patriot missiles to Qatar.

The Japanese defense industry is now ready to offer and provide a full range of military equipment including new innovations and technologies to meet the requests of international armed and security forces.

Since the change in policy, however, the government has stepped up efforts to market the US-2 alongside more traditional defense platforms such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Soryu submarine and Kawasaki Heavy Industries' P-1 maritime patrol plane.

In October 2015, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani officially launched the Ministry of Defense's (MoD's) Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), stating that the new body is aimed at lowering the costs of procurement and boosting Japan's involvement in international development programmes.