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The Japanese government will “promote peace and stability” in the Indo-Pacific by selling Patriot air defense missiles to the US, marking Tokyo’s first sale of complete lethal weapons to an allied nation since World War II.

Japan’s national security cabinet recently updated its export rules, shifting from allowing only the transfer of components to the shipment of completed weapons systems. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that this decision would “enhance” the US and Japanese alliance, deeming it “significant” at a press conference.

According to analysts, this move is not just about strengthening bilateral ties but has broader implications. The sale could indirectly aid the US in supporting Ukraine against its war with Russia. While Japan strictly prohibits weapon transfers to countries in war, increasing the US’s Patriot missile inventory could allow the US to offload some of its inventory.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan welcomed this decision, saying it will “contribute to the security of Japan and to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”