Japan's ruling coalition parties are expected to reach a broad agreement on a framework that would allow the export of next-generation fighter jets co-developed with Britain and Italy.

The main governing Liberal Democratic Party is in favor of partially relaxing the country's strict regulations on the transfer of defense equipment. But its junior coalition partner, Komeito, has been cautious, saying it could not allow exports without certain restrictions.

The parties have been discussing setting strict conditions on exports.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio presented a plan on the matter at an Upper House budget committee meeting on Wednesday.

He said that cabinet approval would be required to allow fighter jets to be transferred to a third country as part of a strict decision-making process.

Kishida also said the framework would only apply to the next-generation fighter jets, and that they would only be transferred to countries with which Japan has signed a treaty on the export of defense equipment.

Komeito's policy chief, Takagi Yosuke, said the prime minister addressed the matter carefully in the Diet. Takagi also said requiring cabinet approval would call for deliberations by the ruling parties and would make the process strict.

The policy chiefs of the LDP and Komeito will meet on Friday to discuss the plan presented by Kishida. The ruling parties are expected to reach a broad agreement soon.