Japan has decided to ease its arms export rules, allowing it to export several dozen Patriot missiles to replenish the Pentagon's stockpile.
In turn, the United States will be able to send more air defense equipment to Ukraine.
Japan manufactures Patriot missiles under license from the developer, the American company Raytheon. However, the country has long adhered to a ban on the export of lethal weapons.
Amendments to Japanese law allow the supply of defense products manufactured by Japan under a foreign license to countries that hold the patent.
Biden raised the issue of missile supplies from Japan at a meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David.
It was noted that Japan is concerned about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as it could push China to take similar actions against Taiwan. Japan became the first East Asian country to join Western sanctions against Russia.
Background. As reported, the US is asking Japan for help in providing Ukraine with missiles for the Patriot air defense system.