Asian power considers sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

Japan – one of Asia's leading powers, playing a pivotal role in economics, technology, diplomacy, and defense on the international stage – plans to resume discussions on supplying or selling weapons to Ukraine , including interceptor missiles for the Patriot system that the Eastern European nation desperately needs.

This information was provided by Itsunori Onodera, a member of parliament from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and former Japanese Defense Minister, during his visit to Kyiv on October 2nd.

"Japan has certain legal limitations as well as limitations at the state policy level. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, we intend to initiate government-level discussions on the next steps, using this visit as a driving force," Onodera said.

This issue mainly relates to Japan's regulations on the export of defense equipment.

These are the regulations known as the "Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology." Although these principles were revised and significantly relaxed in April, restrictions remain.

These regulations maintain a very cautious approach to the complete transfer of weapons to countries experiencing armed conflict.

The general principle for such transfers is "not permitted," however, exceptions exist in exceptional circumstances related to Japan's national security.

According to Mr. Onodera, this meeting with Ukrainian leaders is a continuation of the dialogue that began earlier.

Specifically, according to RBC Ukraine , on September 14th, Eisuke Mori, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, arrived in Ukraine for his first visit.

Last week, a leadership-level meeting took place in New York between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A delegation from the ruling LDP's defense strategy group also visited Kyiv and met with Zelensky.

"I feel that we are at a stage where the relationship based on trust between Japan and Ukraine is becoming increasingly solid. Regarding the future development of this relationship, we intend to hold consultations with the Japanese government after this exchange of views is completed," Onodera emphasized.

With the ongoing conflict and winter approaching, Ukraine needs at least 300 interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense system.

President Zelensky recently stated that Ukraine is acquiring missiles – one or two at a time – directly from the country's leaders. He emphasized that the United States is the only country capable of providing aid on a large scale.

The United States did not include missiles for the Patriot air defense system in its latest military aid package for Ukraine, Reuters reported on September 25.

Meanwhile, the administration of US President Donald Trump plans to use the entire $400 million budget previously approved by the US Congress to support Ukraine.

During a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian community in the US, Zelensky announced that an agreement had been reached on a new Patriot missile package.

Japan is currently manufacturing PAC-3 interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system under license from the United States.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the only manufacturer in the East Asian country capable of producing this type of missile. The company is also one of the leading businesses in the global supply chain for Patriot missile components.

To date, Japan operates 24 Patriot air defense batteries, comprising approximately 120 launchers. Six air defense groups are responsible for protecting strategically important areas of the country.

Japan remains the sole manufacturer supplying gyroscopes for the guidance system of the Patriot PAC-2 air defense missile.

Recently, the Japanese government placed an order for PAC-3 MSE missiles from Mitsubishi worth $275 million.

Minh Duc (According to RBC Ukraine, Militarnyi)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/cuong-quoc-chau-a-can-nhac-gui-ten-lua-patriot-cho-ukraine-204261003211137641.htm