Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Japan to change rules, export Patriots to enable US to send more to Ukraine

Japan plans major policy shift on defense exports that would permit supplying Patriot missiles to the US, freeing up more for Ukraine’s strained air defenses.
Patriot anti-aircraft missile system launchers
Patriot anti-aircraft missile system launchers. Credit: Bundeswehr/Jonas Weber
Japan to change rules, export Patriots to enable US to send more to Ukraine

Japan is preparing a major shift in its defense export regulations that would pave the way for the country to provide its Patriot missiles to the United States. The policy change, expected to be finalized this week, responds to urgent requests from Washington amid shortfalls in Ukraine’s air defenses, The Washington Post reports.

The modification would not explicitly mention the Patriot system but “will meet a key request by the Biden administration, said US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because discussions are ongoing,” according to WP.

The cabinet may announce the change this Friday, 22 December. Japan won’t send Patriots to Ukraine directly but may send dozens of Patriot interceptors it produces under US license to the US to backfill American stockpiles. A decision on the quantity is expected “relatively soon,” according to the WP source.

In turn, this would give the US latitude to transfer more of the critical missile defense systems to aid Ukraine against punishing Russian aerial assaults.

The munitions in question consist of PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors. PAC-2 is designed to destroy certain ballistic missiles through nearby explosions, while PAC-3 is a hit-to-kill munition targeting missiles and aircraft with greater explosive power. Analysts estimate PAC-3 interceptors to cost around $4 million each.

Russia conducts daily air attacks on Ukraine, employing cruise and ballistic missiles, aerial bombs, and suicide drones. Ukraine relies on the Patriot system as its sole defense against Russian ballistic missiles.

Read also:

 

 

 

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts