Japan has exported to the United States the first batch of locally produced PAC-3 air defense missiles for Patriot air defense systems, which are capable of shooting down Iskander ballistic missiles and hypersonic Kinzhal missiles. And this is a big step forward after the country eased its strict restrictions on arms supplies.
As Kyodo News reports, these munitions will go to replenish American stocks after providing military aid to Ukraine. At the same time, it's strictly specified that further supply to third countries is prohibited.
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On one hand, this is good news that allows increasing the number of suppliers of one of the most effective means of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles. At the same time, they are already being produced in quantities of 600 units per year in 2025, so thanks to new contractors they want to raise this figure to 750 in 2027.
The new supply chains plan to include many different enterprises, especially from Europe. Perhaps, if the American government considers it appropriate, greater localization will be organized.
For now, Japan remains the only country in the world that, outside the U.S., is engaged in licensed assembly of PAC-3 MSE from American and local components. And restrictions lifted in 2023 now allow export of finished products and weapons, not just their components, as before.
Ukraine will almost certainly not receive such missiles of Japanese origin while active hostilities continue, and maybe even after. After all, the new rules, despite their easing, still exclude sales to countries at war.
However, supply via a circular scheme is theoretically possible, when munitions produced in the U.S. go to Ukraine, and American stocks are replenished from Japan. However, this requires permission and willingness from the Americans, which could become a problem against the backdrop of recent geopolitical news.
Overall, it's good that work is being done to increase PAC-3 MSE production, given the ever-increasing need. However, one should not forget about European alternatives, such as SAMP/T, which supposedly doesn't have the same shortcomings as Patriot and managed to beat itin Denmarks competition.
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