Japan is preparing to join a NATO-led mechanism that coordinates the purchase and delivery of US-manufactured military equipment to Ukraine, NHK reported, citing multiple NATO officials.
The country plans to provide funding exclusively for non-lethal defense equipment through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which NATO and the United States established in July 2025. Possible contributions include radar systems and bulletproof vests, according to the officials.
Japan has already conducted briefings on the plan with several NATO member states and Ukraine. "Even non-lethal equipment is essential for Ukraine," one NATO official told NHK, describing Japan's involvement as "a significant development."
The initiative currently includes over 20 NATO member countries, among them Germany and the Netherlands, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Through the framework, the alliance has already delivered missiles for Ukraine's Patriot air-defense systems and other equipment.
NATO officials said Japan is expected to formally announce its participation soon.
The development comes as 24 February will mark four years since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Signs of fatigue have emerged among some Western countries in supporting Ukraine as the conflict continues, NHK reports.
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