Russian Ambassador to Tokyo Nikolai Nozdrev warned Japan against shipping Patriot missiles produced by Japan to Ukraine. Nozdrev stressed that the action would harm Russia-Japan relations and lead to “retaliatory steps.”
By the end of 2023, the White House had already announced that Japan had committed to supplying Patriot air defense systems to the United States. The move was preceded by Japan relaxing its strict arms export controls so that weapons manufactured under license from another nation could be exported to foreign countries. Associated Press reported on news of the speculation regarding the use of such arms by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia after this step.
Nozdrev made it very clear: Russia would not look kindly upon the use of these systems in the conflict in Ukraine, viewing any transfer of the missile systems to Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security. In an RIA Novosti press release, Nozdrev emphasized, “Accordingly, we will be watching carefully to make sure that the Patriots delivered do not end up in Ukraine, because if that happens, there will be the most severe consequences for bilateral (Russia-Japan) relations, including our retaliatory steps.”
The Patriot missile, manufactured by the U.S. defense firm Raytheon and the officially MIM-104 Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept On Target), is the spine of American and allied air and missile defense systems. Its ability to engage a variety of threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, and most recently loitering munitions, makes it an extremely sought-after system for Ukraine throughout its current Russian onslaught.
In spite of Russian threats, Japan’s decision to pledge assistance to Ukraine in terms of military equipment indicates an enhanced commitment to its alliance with the United States. The alliance is put in jeopardy as President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will meet in Washington to continue deliberations on further military assistance to Ukraine and the broader implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
In his address to international partners, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the need for more air defense systems following a massive Russian bombardment. Patriot systems must protect Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia; air defense is required to protect people, infrastructure, homes, and dams. Our partners know exactly what is needed. They can support us. These are necessary decisions. Life must be protected from these savages from Moscow, Zelensky pleaded.
