Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) disembark from a V-22 Osprey aircraft during a live fire exercise at East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba on May 28, 2022. (PHOTO / POOL / AFP)

TOKYO - Japan on Wednesday said it plans to offer countries financial assistance to help them bolster their defenses, marking its first unambiguous departure from rules that forbid the use of international aid for military purposes.

Japan's Overseas Security Assistance (OSA) will be managed separately from the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programme that for decades has funded roads, dams and other civilian infrastructure, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a regular news conference.

"By enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities, OSA aims to deepen our security cooperation with the countries, to create a desirable security environment for Japan," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The change comes as Japan undertakes its biggest military build-up since World War II in a marked shift away the pacifism that is set out in its constitution and has dominated its political discourse for decades

The change comes as Japan undertakes its biggest military build-up since World War II in a marked shift away the pacifism that is set out in its constitution and has dominated its political discourse for decades.

Any aid under the new arrangement will not be used to buy lethal weapons that recipients could use in conflicts with other countries in accordance with three principles that govern arms exports, the foreign ministry said.

Specific projects are expected to include satellite communication and radio systems for maritime surveillance, and preparations are underway for the first aid to be finalized within this fiscal year, the ministry said.

ALSO READ: In meeting with Kishida, Biden hails Japan's military boost

The first recipients will likely be the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, or Fiji. The foreign ministry opened a bid on Wednesday to start an OSA feasibility study in those countries, with an eye on strengthening their maritime security.

Japan is considering providing radars to the Philippines, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday.

In principle, only developing countries will be eligible for the aid given that it will be provided as grants, according to the foreign ministry.

The decision to expand the scope of international aid to military-related projects follows Japan's announcement in December of a doubling of defense spending in five years.

READ MORE: Officers: Japan's defense strategy a flawed 'paper plan'

Following on from the overhaul of its military strategy, there is growing momentum over the easing of Japan's arms export ban. The ruling coalition is looking to start working-level discussions in late April over loosening the current arms export restrictions, according to broadcaster TBS, in line with similar suggestions made under the new strategy.

Japan has also been increasing its contacts with developing nations. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a $75 billion investment across the Indo-Pacific in March as he seeks to forge stronger ties with South and Southeast Asia.