Japan Exports Completed Patriot Missiles to U.S. for the First Time: "At America's Request"

First Case Since Revision of Defense Equipment Regulations
U.S. Requested to Replenish Shortfall Due to Ukraine Aid

Japan has exported Patriot surface-to-air missiles, which are possessed by the Air Self-Defense Force, to the United States, Kyodo News reported on the 19th, citing Japanese government officials.

This marks the first actual export since the Japanese government revised its arms export regulations-the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and the operational guidelines-in 2023 to allow the export of Patriots to the United States. However, the quantity exported has not been disclosed.

Previously, defense equipment produced under license, for which Japan paid royalties, could only be exported as parts to the license-holding country. The Japanese government has since amended the regulations to allow the export of finished products as well.

Patriot missiles possessed by the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The Asia Business Daily DB

A Japanese government official explained that the United States requested the export from Japan to replenish its missile stockpile, which has been depleted due to support for Ukraine, and that delivery of the contracted units will be completed within this month.

The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the exported Patriots will be used by U.S. forces, including those operating in the Indo-Pacific region, and will not be provided to any third countries.

When revising the arms export regulations in 2023, the Japanese government prohibited the retransfer of lethal weapons and ammunition to countries engaged in ongoing conflict, even if such equipment is exported to the license-holding country.

Separately, the Sanae Takaichi Cabinet is working to remove additional regulations to expand arms exports. Currently, weapons can only be exported if they are used for five purposes: rescue, transport, vigilance, surveillance, or minesweeping. The government is considering abolishing this restriction.

In addition, the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment specify that the purpose of arms exports should be to "contribute to peace and actively promote international cooperation," and that the export destinations should be "allied countries, etc." The Japanese government is also considering revising these principles to expand both the purposes and eligible destinations for exports.