US and Japan ‘mulling defence cooperation that could help Ukraine’

A key theme for the summit will be finding ways Japan could help widen the US’ pool of armaments. American arms-makers have been straining to supply weapons ranging from artillery shells to air defence systems that Washington has committed to Ukraine to fight off invading Russian forces.

Japan, which adopted a pacifist constitution after its loss in World War II, has provided Ukraine with nonlethal aid, as well as assistance and loan guarantees worth billions of dollars – but not weapons.

Loosening Tokyo’s restrictions on military exports could help the US and European nations send arms to Ukraine in the short term, while in the long term, it could widen the opportunities for Japan to sell arms overseas.

In December, the Japanese government announced it would allow sales of weapons produced under licence back to the country of origin, and would export Patriot missiles to its sole military ally. The move increased the amount of interceptors available to the US, giving it more flexibility on how it supports Ukraine’s air defences.

Kishida and Biden are expected to accelerate complementary relations and look at ways to strengthen the supply chain of their defence equipment, with China in mind, the Yomiuri said.

Tokyo and Washington are also considering expanding an arrangement in which Japanese companies would regularly do maintenance and repairs for US military equipment, the report said, adding the matter is expected to be on the agenda at the summit.

The US Seventh Fleet and other Navy vessels forward-deployed to Japan are among the candidates for the project, as well as F-35A fighter jets, the newspaper said. That would shorten maintenance periods for the US, while it would help Tokyo strengthen its defence production and