Japan Readies Missile Deliveries Following Relaxation of Arms Export Restrictions

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: Patriot PAC-3 missiles manufactured in Japan have the capability to intercept objects spanning 20 to 30 kilometers (12 to 19 miles) in range. / Source: US Department of Defense

After revising its long-held arms export guidelines, Japan announced a significant policy shift on Friday, revealing plans to ship Patriot Advanced Capability-2 and 3 (PAC-2 & PAC-3) missiles to the United States. This move marks the nation's first major overhaul of export curbs in nearly a decade, signaling a shift from its traditional stance of refraining from exporting lethal weaponry. The decision arrives amidst Japan's aim to bolster its defense industry, responding to heightened security concerns prevailing in the Indo-Pacific region.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the importance of the move in fortifying the Japan-U.S. alliance. He highlighted its potential to not only enhance Japan's security but also contribute to peace and stability across the broader Indo-Pacific region.

While Japan's updated export controls still prohibit weapon shipments to countries engaged in conflicts, there's an indirect possibility that this decision could assist Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia. This allowance extends additional capacity to the U.S. for providing military support to Kyiv.

An anonymous Japanese government official, citing the sensitivity of the matter, shared that the missiles would be utilized to replenish the U.S. military's resources, reinforcing security measures in the Indo-Pacific region. The Patriot air defense system stands among the array of sophisticated defense units dispatched by Western nations to aid Ukraine post-Russia's invasion.

Previously, Japan was restricted to exporting only components of arms and was forbidden from delivering fully assembled products. However, the revised guidelines now permit Tokyo to export finished products to countries where the patent holders are based. Any further re-export to third nations necessitates Tokyo's authorization.

Japan manufactures PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors under license from U.S. companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Both PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors serve distinct purposes. The former aims to neutralize specific ballistic missiles by detonating in close proximity. At the same time, the latter are precision-hit weapons intended to target missiles and aircraft directly, delivering a more substantial explosive impact. Analysts suggest that the more sophisticated PAC-3 interceptors cost roughly $4 million each.

Moreover, there's contemplation within Japan's administration to export 155mm artillery shells, produced under a license from BAE Systems, to the United Kingdom. Reports from the Financial Times suggest ongoing considerations in this regard, highlighting that export decisions arise following formal requests from the respective license-holding countries. Until now, the U.S. has been the sole nation to make such a request.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel lauded Japan's decision, labeling it a "historic" and "significant" move indicative of Japan's commitment to deterrence. He further underscored Japan's ongoing defense modernization, characterizing it as a "once-in-a-generation" development.

Japan's ruling party had been deliberating changes to export controls over several months, particularly considering the potential hindrance these rules pose to exporting forthcoming next-generation fighter jets, developed in collaboration with Britain and Italy.

 

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