Ukraine’s Patriot missile request tests Japan’s pacifist limits

AI Summary

Ukraine has requested collaboration with Japan to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles, challenging Japan's pacifist export policies. This development highlights Japan's complex position in regional security dynamics amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Japan’s firm support for Ukraine in its war against Russia is expected to be tested after Kyiv expressed interest in working with Tokyo to produce Patriot interceptor missiles. Such a move is unlikely because it would require Japan to cross a sensitive line on exports of lethal weapons and complicate its regional relations, according to analysts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that Kyiv was keen to work with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to manufacture Patriot...