Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet adopted two security bills on Thursday that would, if passed by the Diet, greatly expand the scope of the Self-Defense Forces' joint operations with foreign forces overseas.

"The Cabinet today approved a package of security bills to ensure peace for Japan and the world," Abe said at a news conference at his office.

The legislation will be submitted to the current Diet session, where heated debate is expected. If passed, it will effectively usher in a historic shift away from the country's long-held defensive posture on matters of security.