Japan may allow supply of Japanese-made Patriot missiles to Europe

Japan will consider allowing the supply of Japanese-made Patriot missiles to Europe and other countries, which could help Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Source: Nikkei Asia, a Japanese news outlet

Details: The Japanese government will update its defence export guidelines on Friday.

This will allow the supply of missiles and other equipment manufactured under licence to countries where the patent holders are located. Currently, only components of licensed equipment can be shipped to the United States.

Nikkei Asia stated that Japan would also allow the receiving countries to send equipment to third countries with prior consent, except for those actively involved in armed conflict, such as Ukraine and Israel.

Although this will not allow Washington to directly send Japan-made Patriot missiles to Kyiv, it will give the US more opportunities to continue supplying Ukraine with US-made weapons.

The first step is for Japan's National Security Council to approve the delivery of Patriot missiles to the United States this year. Washington has requested this delivery as its stocks are  running low.

Mark Kancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said in an October report that Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan are currently using Patriot missiles.

The US could provide these countries with supplies, but with some difficult trade-offs down the road, as Kancian added.

Background: Japan sent power transformators and solar panels to Ukraine in October. 

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