The Defense Ministry is planning to let suppliers of noncombat defense equipment to the Self-Defense Forces sell their wares to municipalities and other civilian entities, a ministry official said.
The step is intended to invigorate the flagging defense industry by expanding its customer base and spurring mass production so companies can increase efficiency and lower costs, the official said Saturday.
The equipment, which will include protective gear and tents, will be cleared for sale to third parties, including foreign countries, as long as the manufacturers pay the Defense Ministry a fee for the expertise needed to produce it, the official said.