Japan to join NATO initiative and buy non-lethal equipment for Ukraine – NHK
Japan will join a NATO initiative to supply Ukraine with US-made ammunition and equipment, under which it will purchase non-lethal equipment and gear.
Source: NHK, a Japanese state TV- and radio-company, citing sources
Details: Several NATO officials told NHK that Japan is expected to officially announce its plan to join the initiative, known as PURL, in the near future.
Officials said Japan would provide funding only for non-lethal defence equipment and gear, which is likely to include radar systems and body armour.
NHK sources said Japan had informed several NATO member states and Ukraine about the plan.
Quote from NHK: "One NATO official said even non-lethal equipment is essential for Ukraine, adding that Japan's involvement in the initiative is a significant development."
For reference: PURL is a joint US-NATO programme launched in 2025. Its aim is to speed up the delivery to Ukraine of critically important US-made weapons and equipment.
Partner countries finance purchases based on a priority list of Ukraine's needs, coordinating their contributions through a dedicated NATO fund.
The mechanism allows for the rapid provision of necessary weapons, including air defence missiles for Patriot systems, directly from US stockpiles.
Previously: At the end of 2025, Japan transferred 8.8 billion Japanese yen (about €47.7 million) to Ukraine under Phase 4 of the Programme for Emergency Recovery and approved the launch of the next stage of grant assistance.
In January, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) allocated 4 billion yen (over US$25 million) for mine clearance and medical assistance for Ukrainians.
Background:
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called on Ukraine's partner countries to supply air defence missiles from existing stockpiles. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte assured him that work on this is already underway.
- Earlier, Rutte said European countries would find over US$15 billion to buy weapons for Ukraine's armed forces.
- Rutte also called on EU countries that "are sitting on large piles of interceptors" to send these missiles to Ukraine.
- Supply disruptions remain a sensitive issue for Kyiv. Zelenskyy said that he had grounds for his harsh criticism of Europe at Davos after a lack of funding led to a shortage of air defence missiles.
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