US ally relaxes export rules. It will help arm Ukraine

Japan will sell Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to the United States. As a rule, Tokyo has not sold complete weapons to its allies since the end of World War II.

So far, Japan has only sold weapon parts. To effect the transfer, the Japanese Ministry of Security has updated its regulations in this area.

Japan’s Cabinet Office Chief Secretary for Executive Power Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a news conference on Friday that the essence of the project is to promote “peace and stability” in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as “strengthen” the US. -Japanese alliance.

We are talking about several dozen missiles intended to destroy certain types of ballistic missiles and directly attack cruise missiles and aircraft.

Will Japan indirectly arm Ukraine?

The sale of Patriot missiles is expected to indirectly help the Americans arm Ukraine, which is facing equipment shortages. In principle, Japan bans the transfer of its weapons to third countries involved in the conflict, but providing more air defense systems to the US would free up Washington’s own supplies so they can be sent to Ukraine.

“This decision will contribute to Japan’s security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by ensuring that U.S. military forces, in close coordination with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, maintain credible deterrence and response capabilities,” wrote U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan .

Japan lifted its arms export ban in 2014 for the first time since World War II. Arms transfers were then permitted, provided that the countries receiving the equipment were not communist, at war or subject to UN sanctions.

Zelensky: More Patriot systems in winter

Let us not forget that while Russia finances and produces most of its military equipment itself, Ukraine depends on external supplies. When it comes to guns, especially from the United States.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a few days ago that the army had requested to mobilize another 450-500,000 recruits. At the same time, he expressed hope that the United States would continue its support as this was a crucial issue.

As he emphasized, the army is in urgent need of additional personnel, but the issue of equipment and ammunition should not be overlooked. During the conference, Zelensky also said that more Patriot systems would defend the country in winter.

Source: Do Rzeczy

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