The US and Japan have signed an agreement to produce more Patriot missiles, which will affect supplies to Ukraine

The United States and Japan have agreed to expand production of Patriot missile systems to fill their own stockpiles and possibly supply Ukraine with additional missiles.

Here's What We Know

The US-made Patriot missile systems have exceeded all expectations in Ukraine, where they have formed an important part of the air defence. The Patriot system is a surface-to-air missile battery that can shoot down targets ranging from aircraft to cruise missiles and drones. High-level talks in Tokyo in recent days have further strengthened the status of this system and demonstrated the US desire to obtain more Patriot missiles to be transferred to Ukraine.

The US-Japan Security Consultative Committee issued a joint statement after the talks, pledging to "make a priority effort" to produce more Patriot munitions.

The statement also mentioned working to transfer existing Patriot ammunition from Japan to the United States, which could free up stocks for Ukraine. However, there may be problems. For example, Reuters reported earlier this month that Japan has a shortage of parts, which limits its ability to produce more Patriot munitions.

It is worth noting that at the talks in Tokyo, the US and Japan also took a step towards strengthening their alliance against China, whose rise they called their "greatest strategic challenge".

Source: Business Insider