Japan transfers Patriot missiles to replenish U.S. stocks

The White House today welcomed Japan's decision to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to the United States to replenish U.S. inventories, some of which have been sent to Ukraine.

“The decision will contribute to the security of Japan and to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by ensuring that U.S. forces, in close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, will continue to maintain a credible deterrence and response capability,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

The Defense Department didn't immediately respond to a request for additional information.

News of the impending weapons transfer was first reported by The Washington Post earlier this week in a story that said the move would allow the United States to “backfill” weapons that have been sent to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, The New York Times is reporting today that Japan and the United States have entered into a new export agreement by which Japan can sell American-designed Patriot missiles made in Japan to the U.S. military, saying the change could strengthen U.S. weapons stockpiles as Washington looks to continue its aid to Ukraine.

In Japan, the Patriot system is manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, licensed by RTX and Lockheed Martin.