Japan changed its laws regarding arms exports, allowing for the transfer of weapons, the Japanese Foreign Ministry announced on Dec. 22. The ministry added that it will send the U.S. Patriot missiles, paving the way for the U.S. to replenish its stocks while potentially sending Ukraine some of its own current supply.
The Japanese government will sell Patriot air defense missiles to the U.S., marking Tokyo’s first foray into selling complete lethal weapons to allied nations since the post-World War II era. Japan’s national security cabinet this week updated its export rules to allow for the shipment of completed weapons systems. Previously, only the transfer of components…
Japan will consider exporting dozens of Patriot missiles this week in a move aimed to indirectly support Ukraine in its war against Russia, the Washington Post reported on Dec. 20.
The Ministry of National Defense wants to acquire 200 Patriot missiles, for approximately 1.08 billion euros, excluding VAT, in order to strengthen the air defense capability with the ground base related to the essential endowment program "High Range Surface-to-Air Missile System (HSAM) )", according to a document sent by the Government to the Parliament, document quoted by Economedia.ro.