Japan weighs allowing Patriot missile transfers to aid Ukraine

TOKYO/WASHINGTON -- Japan will consider allowing the U.S. to supply Japanese-made Patriot missiles to Europe and elsewhere, in a move that could indirectly help Ukraine in its war against Russia.

The Japanese government will update guidelines on defense exports as early as Friday, allowing shipments of missiles and other equipment made under license to countries where those patent holders are based. Currently, only components of licensed equipment can be sent to the U.S.