Japan has lifted its ban on the export of arms and is preparing to send Patriot anti-missile system missiles to the United States, Reuters reports.
This move is expected to help the Pentagon continue supplying Ukraine by replenishing its stockpiles. The new export control regulations in Japan, while still prohibiting the country from supplying weapons to countries in a state of war, could indirectly benefit Ukraine by giving the United States additional opportunities to provide military assistance to Kyiv.
According to an anonymous representative of the Japanese government, the missiles will be used to replenish the U.S. armed forces' arsenal for security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Patriot system is one of the many modern air defense systems provided by the West to assist Ukraine after the Russian invasion. Japan produces Patriot missiles under licenses from the American companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
The Japanese government representative stated that export considerations would be made after the country holding the license makes an official request, noting that the United States has been the only country to make such a request so far.
The ruling party in Japan has been contemplating various changes to export controls for several months, as these rules potentially hinder the export of next-generation fighter jets being developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Italy.
Earlier reports indicated that Japan would supply the United States with several dozen Patriot missiles, including PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors. The PAC-2 interceptors are designed to destroy certain types of ballistic missiles by exploding nearby, while the PAC-3 interceptors are direct-impact munitions aimed directly at missiles and aircraft, with a greater explosive force. The more advanced PAC-3 interceptors cost around $4 million each.
This move comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about his country's defense capabilities during his visit to Washington in December. Kyiv has only a "handful" of munitions left to defend itself, and Zelensky seeks additional support to protect large cities like Odessa.
Ukraine uses the Patriot system to intercept Russian ballistic missiles, including the "Kinzhal." The Patriot air defense system has achieved other significant successes, including in May when a Patriot air defense unit shot down three enemy helicopters and two planes in Russian airspace after the shelling of Ukraine.
