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Ukraine seeks Japan help to produce Patriot interceptor missiles
The effort hinges on a proposed US license and Ukraine says it needs training and assistance to operate the system effectively.
Ukraine is seeking Japan’s support to produce Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors, aiming to expand its air defense capacity through cooperation tied to US licensing, according to Kyodo News as cited by SCMP Economy.
Sergiy Kyslytsya, a first deputy head of Ukraine’s Office of the President, said Ukraine hopes to draw on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expertise, which manufactures the interceptors for Japan’s defence forces.
Kyslytsya noted that while Ukraine can operate a complex defense system, it needs training and assistance. He also argued Patriots are defensive, saying Japan should face no legislative constraints on such defense cooperation given its pacifist constitution.
SCMP Economy also reported that US President Donald Trump pledged in early July to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot systems, viewed as crucial as Russia’s invasion has entered its fifth year. Kyslytsya declined to comment on whether Ukraine is already in talks with MHI.