Japan to sell PAC-3 missiles to US for 1st time amid security alliance upgrade

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) — Japan announced its first-ever sale of PAC-3 interceptor missiles to the US, marking a significant shift in its defense equipment export policy.

The agreement comes in the wake of Tokyo's relaxation of export rules last year and is aimed at addressing the US's current shortage of interceptors due to its support for Ukraine.

The PAC-3 missiles, produced by a Japanese firm and currently in the possession of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force, are part of a deal estimated at around $19.5 million.

This development follows recent negotiations between Washington and Tokyo to bolster their security alliance and restructure US military command in Japan.

On Sunday, the foreign and defense ministers from both nations convened in Tokyo to discuss the reconstitution of US Forces Japan (USFJ) into a joint force headquarters and to explore increased co-production of air defense missiles.

They also voiced concerns about China's actions, asserting that Beijing aims to reshape the international order to its advantage.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid