Japan plans to purchase Ukrainian attack drones instead of Israeli ones - media
Kyiv • UNN
The Japanese government is considering purchasing Ukrainian UAVs due to their combat experience and resilience. The countries are preparing an agreement on the exchange of technologies for weapons.
The Japanese government is considering the introduction of Ukrainian-made attack drones to strengthen its defense capabilities, drawing on Ukraine's combat experience in defending against Russian military aggression. This was reported by Kyodo news, citing sources familiar with the matter, informs UNN.
Details
It is noted that a bilateral agreement on arms transfer is likely, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks to exchange his country's defense technologies for weapons provided by Japan, while Japan's Constitution restricts the transfer of weapons to other countries.
This idea emerged after Ukraine approached Japan on the matter. Although purchasing drones from Israel is also an option, the Japanese government apparently believes that supplying unmanned aerial vehicles from Ukraine would be less controversial amid widespread international criticism of the Israeli military's actions in the Gaza Strip.
It is indicated that Ukrainian drones are known for their long-range flight capabilities and resistance to interference.
Although Japan has little experience with drones, Ukraine has repeatedly modernized its own over a short period of time, drawing on real combat experience, which makes them very powerful.
The media adds that the Japanese government is preparing to ease rules on defense equipment transfers, likely in April, to allow the export of lethal weapons in principle.
Recall
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a request to Ukraine to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss cooperation in intercepting Iranian drones.