Japan may become the largest supplier of missiles for Ukraine's air defense if the US cuts aid
The government has agreed to export PAC-2 and PAC-3 Patriot missiles to the United States
The United States will not be able to supply Ukraine with Patriot missiles in the near future.
Source. This was reported to The New York Times by sources in the White House and the Pentagon. According to them, the main issue is financing: the cost of interceptor missiles for these systems can reach from $2 to $4 million each.
At the same time, in late December, Japan amended the rules for the export of defense equipment, which could make it a key supplier of missiles for the Patriot system to the United States.
Previously, Tokyo could only supply components to the United States, but now it will be able to sell finished equipment. As part of the changes, the government has agreed to export the PAC-2 and PAC-3 modifications of Patriot missiles to the United States.
The arms exports are accompanied by the approval of a record annual defense budget. Japan is conducting the largest strengthening of its armed forces since the end of World War II and is seeking closer cooperation with the United States and other partners to deter threats from China and North Korea.
The PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles are designed to be used in air defense systems that are reportedly already deployed in Ukraine. The Patriot system's powerful radar, which has a range of more than 150 km, is capable of tracking more than 100 targets simultaneously, according to a US Congressional report.
The radar also provides data to guide multiple interceptors and is resistant to electronic interference.
Japan will not allow the missiles to be deployed directly to the war zone, but the delivery will help replenish the US stockpile, potentially allowing it to provide further support to Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that the move could have serious consequences for relations between Russia and Japan.
If you have read this article to the end, we hope that means it was useful for you.
We work to ensure that our journalistic and analytical work is of high quality, and we strive to perform it as competently as possible. This also requires financial independence. Support us for only UAH 196 per month.
Become a Mind subscriber for just USD 5 per month and support the development of independent business journalism!
You can unsubscribe at any time in your LIQPAY account or by sending us an email: [email protected]
