Japan is considering changing its rules on arms exports to allow the supply of artillery ammunition to Britain, according to The Financial Times. The focus of this potential export is on 155mm projectiles, which are currently produced in Japan under a license from the British defense company BAE Systems.
The article suggests that these projectiles could help address the ammunition shortage within the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). However, the sources mentioned in the report emphasize that Tokyo does not plan to directly assist Kyiv.
Instead, it is expected that Japan will supply weapons to Britain to replenish depleted ammunition stocks held locally. This would provide London with more opportunities to continue supporting Ukrainian forces.
Journalists report that on December 22, Tokyo intends to announce a relaxation of its rules on the export of military equipment. This decision would not only allow the export of ammunition to Britain but also increase the supply of projectiles for Patriot surface-to-air missile systems in the United States. If this unfolds, Washington would have the opportunity to provide Kyiv with more modern air defense systems.
Prior to this, the Finnish government had approved the provision of a new package of military aid to Ukraine.
