Ukraine asks Japan for interceptor missiles to defend skies

Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi has formally requested that Japan supply anti-ballistic interceptor missiles to replenish Kyiv's depleting air defense stocks, telling a Japanese news agency that the systems represent the "most important thing" for protecting civilians through the winter heating season.

Diplomatic Appeal

Speaking to Kyodo News in an interview released on Monday, Koretskyi said: "I would like to kindly ask one and only thing ... anti-ballistic missiles." He emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs the systems to shield its population and infrastructure during the approaching winter months.

The Ukrainian premier told the agency: "It's the most important thing we need to protect our people, infrastructure ... through this (winter) heating season." He added: "I very much hope (for) and count on your country."

Export Restrictions

Japan manufactures Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors under license from Washington, though Tokyo's "three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology" generally prohibit arms exports to nations engaged in active conflict. In April, Japanese authorities revised defense export guidelines to allow lethal weapons transfers under specific conditions.

The revised terms require recipient nations to sign agreements protecting classified information before receiving lethal weapons. Even with such arrangements in place, any provision of interceptor missiles to Ukraine would require final approval from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, according to Kyodo News.

Depleting Supplies

Ukraine currently receives Patriot interceptor missiles from a coalition of Western partners, but Kyiv's stockpiles have been dwindling rapidly amid sustained Russian aerial bombardment. The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since February 2022.

Koretskyi stressed that his government does not intend to delay reconstruction efforts until hostilities cease. "I do believe in our bright future and cooperation and partnership regarding the reconstruction and development of our country," he said, adding: "Even now, we do not want to wait before the war (is) over."