Japan plans to start supplying weapons to Ukraine
Japanese government and parliament are preparing to allow arms exports to countries such as Ukraine. This will support Japan’s defense industry and improve country’s image as a global player.
As informs Censor.NЕТ, it was reported by NV with reference to Nikkei.
So far, Japan has rules in place that allow the country to transfer military aircraft, armored vehicles, and missiles only to those countries with which it jointly develops and produces such equipment.
The government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have put forward the idea of expanding the number of countries eligible to receive Japanese weapons. These could be countries that are being subjected to military aggression. The National Security Strategy, which was updated in December 2022, states that the principles of defense exports "should be revised."
According to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, expanded military exports "will become a key political tool to assist countries that have suffered aggression in violation of international law."
Tokyo is the only member of the G7 that has not yet provided weapons to Ukraine. And Fumio Kishida is the only G-7 leader who has not yet visited our country.
The Japanese prime minister believes that "East Asia could be the next Ukraine". Therefore, sanctions against Russia and in-depth cooperation with Western powers on the military front are seen as effective means of deterring China, which is increasing pressure on Taiwan.
Sato offered to send MLRS multiple launch rocket systems to Ukraine, which Japan plans to decommission by 2029. It is believed that this tracked vehicle is not effective enough in tropical island conditions and would be better replaced by the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Japan has 99 units of MLRS M270 in service.
The government and the ruling coalition will begin debating arms exports after the local elections in April.
In addition to countries that have been invaded, the government will consider arms exports to countries that cooperate with Japan on security issues.
