Can Japan arm Ukraine: Ambassador weighs in
File photo: Japan has eased its arms export regulations (Getty Images)
Following Japan’s decision to relax its arms export regulations, the door has opened for negotiations on future deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine, Reuters reports.
According to Yurii Lutovinov, Ukraine’s ambassador to Japan, Japan’s relaxation of its arms export regulations paves the way for negotiations that could one day lead to Tokyo supplying military equipment to help Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion.
"This allows us to talk. Theoretically, it's a very big step forward," the diplomat says.
The decision to ease export restrictions was made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Although Japan maintains general restrictions on arms supplies to conflict zones, the new rules provide for exceptions if it serves the country’s security interests.
However, Takaichi has not publicly stated her readiness to supply weapons to Ukraine.
To do so, Kyiv must conclude a separate agreement with Japan on the transfer of defense technologies. Currently, Tokyo has such agreements with 18 countries, including Germany, Australia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
What Ukraine could receive
According to the ambassador, Ukraine is proceeding cautiously due to the sensitivity of the issue of defense exports for Japan. In the short term, Tokyo could join in financing the development of Ukrainian air defense systems, which would reduce dependence on American Patriot systems.
"We have all necessary industrial capacities for production. But we need investment. We need funds," he notes.
Japan's participation in the PURL program, which provides funding for the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine, is also being discussed.
In addition, Japanese companies can help Ukraine diversify its supply of electronics and microcomponents needed for the production of drones.
"We are not the country that would like to just ask. We are the country that is going to provide as well. The technology of Japan and experience of Ukraine, if we can put them together, it would be a high-class product," Lutovynov concludes.
Japan authorizes arms exports
Japan has revised its arms export policy, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to allies, a move that has sparked controversy within the country and a negative reaction from China.
Ukraine does not yet have an agreement with Japan on the transfer of defense equipment, but changes are possible in the future, as negotiations are underway to sign such an agreement.
