--- title: "Ukraine asks Japan for help in producing Patriots: Kyslytsia explains why this will not violate the constitution" description: "πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Ukraine asks Japan for help in producing Patriot air defense systems. Serhiy Kyslytsia is confident that this will not violate Tokyo's constitution. πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan has already allocated $14.7 million to support Ukraine through the NATO mechanism. #Ukraine #Japan #Patriot" date: 2026-07-25T08:02:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukraine-asks-japan-for-help-in-producing-patriots tags: [ukraine, japan, patriot, sergey-kislitsa, nato] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Ukraine asks Japan for help in producing Patriots: Kyslytsia explains why this will not violate the constitution ![Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in front of the UN Security Council logo, discussing cooperation with Japan on Patriot production](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/25/ukraina-prosit-yaponiyu-o-pomoshi-v-proizvodstve-patriot/ukraina-prosit-yaponiyu-o-pomoshi-v-proizvodstve-patriot-1.webp) Kyiv is seeking new ways to strengthen its defense industry by turning to the advanced technologies of its allies. At the center of attention are the famous Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine hopes to establish its own production of these systems under a US license with the support of Japan. ### Dialogue with Tokyo: seeking partners This was stated by the First Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Serhiy Kyslytsia, in an interview with Kyodo News agency. According to him, the Ukrainian side is actively maintaining a political dialogue with Tokyo, viewing Japan as a key partner in this matter. The Land of the Rising Sun is one of the few countries in the world that has already received a license to produce Patriot surface-to-air missile systems. Kyslytsia emphasized that cooperation in this area could be a breakthrough for Ukrainian security. However, he refrained from commenting on whether direct negotiations are already underway with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries β€” the main Japanese manufacturer that holds the rights to assemble these systems. ### Constitutional restrictions and defense doctrine One of the main issues that could hinder such cooperation is Japan's pacifist Constitution. Article 9 of the country's fundamental law prohibits the waging of war and the maintenance of armed forces for offensive purposes. Nevertheless, Serhiy Kyslytsia expressed confidence that this should not become an obstacle. "Patriot systems are exclusively for defensive purposes," noted the Deputy Head of the Office of the President. In his opinion, it is precisely this aspect that allows bypassing possible legislative barriers in Japan. If Tokyo agrees to transfer technologies or licenses, it will be in line with the spirit of its own defense doctrine. ### Financial support: a step towards NATO It is also worth remembering that Japan has already demonstrated a willingness to support Ukraine financially. In May, Tokyo authorities announced for the first time the allocation of funds to the NATO PURL mechanism (Procurement and Reserve Underwriting for Lethal Equipment). Almost $14.7 million was allocated for the purchase of non-lethal equipment. This decision became an important signal: Japan is ready to participate in supporting Ukraine, even if it is about indirect assistance through NATO structures. Perhaps it is precisely this precedent that will become the basis for deeper cooperation in the future. ### What's next? Ukraine continues to look for ways to diversify sources of weapons and technologies. Cooperation with Japan in the production of Patriots could be an important step in this direction. However, it remains unknown what specific steps both sides will take in the near future. It is important to remember that any negotiations in this area require time and the coordination of many details. Nevertheless, the very fact that Ukraine has raised this issue speaks to the seriousness of Kyiv's intentions and its desire for long-term strengthening of its defense capabilities.