TOKYO, December 26. /TASS/. Japan and the US will begin consultations on the transfer of missiles for Patriot missile defense systems belonging to the Japanese armed forces to the American side in early 2024, the NHK TV channel reported.

According to the channel, first of all, it is planned to begin coordinating the supply of PAC-2 missiles, designed primarily to intercept aircraft and cruise missiles. In the future, Japan will also supply the US with PAC-3 missiles, which are used to counter ballistic missiles.

On December 22, the Japanese government simplified rules for exporting defense equipment, allowing it to supply missiles for Patriot missile defense systems to the US and 155 mm artillery shells to the UK. Previously, Tokyo could only supply components of defense equipment to the US. The exemptions will allow the supply of finished equipment to countries that have issued production licenses.

The amendments do not directly allow re-export of the supplied equipment to third countries involved in the armed conflict, but will allow to replenish the stocks in warehouses, which were reduced due to the assistance to Kiev. In addition, the United States, for example, will be able to supply its own Patriot missiles not only to Ukraine, but also to its partners in Europe who are transferring their weapons to Kiev. Therefore, the military support for Ukraine will be indirect. According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the US government must obtain Tokyo's prior consent to transfer missiles for Japanese-made Patriot systems to third countries.