Ukraine seeks Japan's Patriot missile expertise under pacifist constitution

Ukraine is seeking to enhance defense collaboration with Japan to manufacture and operate Patriot air defense systems under a U.S. license, contending that Japan’s pacifist constitution allows for such support since the systems serve a defensive purpose. In an interview with Kyodo News, Sergiy Kyslytsya, the first deputy head of Ukraine's Office of the President, indicated that Kyiv is engaged in political discussions with Tokyo to tap into the expertise of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), which produces Patriot interceptors for Japan. In early July, U.S. President Donald Trump promised Ukraine a license for these essential systems, vital for countering Russian missile threats during the ongoing invasion. Kyslytsya noted Ukraine's ability to manage the sophisticated system but highlighted the necessity for training and support, without confirming if talks with MHI are in progress. He reiterated that Patriots are defensive weapons, suggesting Japan's constitutional limitations should not be a barrier.