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Japanese MP Urges Government to Transfer Patriot Missiles to Ukraine
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A Japanese lawmaker, Matsuzawa Shigefumi, has urged Tokyo to provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense missiles as Russia continues launching large-scale missile attacks on Ukrainian cities on June 2.
Shigefumi, a member of Japan’s House of Councillors, raised the issue during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, where he addressed Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
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According to Matsuzawa, Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s indiscriminate missile strikes but is facing a shortage of interceptor missiles, leading to heavy losses.
He argued that Japan’s recent easing of defense export rules makes it possible to consider such deliveries.
“Although there are still several obstacles to overcome in supplying Patriot missiles to Ukraine, they are certainly not insurmountable!” Matsuzawa said.
The lawmaker urged Japan’s defense leadership to make a political decision under the principle of “proactive pacifism,” a concept used in Japanese security policy to justify a more active role in global stability.
“President Zelenskyy seeks to obtain Patriot missiles. Now is the time for Japan to take tangible, proactive measures! Minister Koizumi, I urge you to demonstrate leadership in proactive pacifism. A political decision is needed,” Matsuzawa stated.
Japan is one of the countries licensed to produce PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot air defense system, which can intercept ballistic missiles. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries manufactures the interceptors and plays an important role in the global supply chain for Patriot missile components.
In addition to supplying its own Patriot systems, Japan has also exported missiles to the United States. In November 2025, Japan’s Defense Ministry announced that it had completed deliveries of domestically produced Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles to the US.
Japan currently operates 24 Patriot batteries with roughly 120 launchers. Six air defense groups protect strategically important areas across the country.
The call comes as Ukraine continues seeking more Patriot interceptors from partners to defend against Russian ballistic and cruise missile attacks. For Kyiv, additional PAC-3 missiles are among the most critical tools for protecting cities, infrastructure, and military facilities from Russia’s expanding missile campaign.
Earlier, Japan officially joined the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, committing more than $14.6 million to help fund the procurement of essential military equipment for Ukraine.
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