• Japan allowed the shipment of Patriot air defense missiles to the US.
• Patriot missiles are among the advanced weaponry provided by the US.
• The missiles can only be sent to the US and require Japan’s approval to be sent to any other country.

In a notable departure from its pacifist stance, Japan has decided to adjust its arms export rules, allowing the shipment of Patriot air defense missiles to the United States. This move marks a significant shift, enabling the US to potentially send its missile stockpile to aid Ukraine.

The shift in Japan’s policy is crucial as Western nations are facing shortages of ammunition to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Patriot missiles, being among the advanced weaponry provided by the US, could play a vital role in this context.

Previously, Japan only permitted the export of components for licensed equipment, limiting the transfer of finished goods. However, the revised rules now allow Japan to send complete products.

Following this policy change announcement, Japan’s foreign ministry stated its intention to dispatch Patriot missiles to the US, emphasizing that this action aims to “further strengthen the Japan-US alliance.”

Japan has made a significant policy shift by changing its arms export rules, allowing the shipment of Patriot air defense missiles to the United States. The move could mean that Japan-made Patriot missiles might replenish the US stockpile, enabling the US to send its missiles to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

However, there are restrictions in place. The missiles can only be sent to the US and would require Japan’s approval to be sent to any other country. Japan still upholds its ban on exporting weapons to nations at war.

Patriot missiles in Japan are manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries under license from US defense contractors Lockheed Martin and RTX. This policy change comes after a reported request from the US government to modify Japan’s defense export rules, marking the first such change since 2014.

The US Congress recently failed to approve a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, leading to concerns about ammunition shortages for Ukraine’s defense. Ukraine has been requesting more air defense support from the US for several months.

In addition to the Patriot missiles, Japan is also considering exporting 155mm artillery shells to the UK. Japan’s National Security Council will make decisions on providing equipment to specific countries on a case-by-case basis.

This policy adjustment aligns with Japan’s ongoing reassessment of its long-standing pacifist stance. Following World War Two, Japan adopted a constitution that prohibits the country from engaging in war except in cases of self-defense. The Constitution does not officially recognize the military and confines it to self-defense capabilities.

Last year, Japan announced plans to double its military spending to 2% of the country’s GDP by 2027, citing threats from China and North Korea. Growing military aggression from Beijing has heightened Japanese concerns about potential involvement in conflicts, particularly in the event of a Taiwan crisis. North Korea’s nuclear ambitions also pose a constant threat to Tokyo.

[embedpost slug=”japan-calls-out-yemens-houthi-rebels-hijack-of-cargo-ship-in-red-sea/”]