Japan Joins NATO Program To Support Ukraine
- 10.02.2026, 10:00
Details have come to light.
Japan has decided to join NATO's program to buy US weapons and equipment for Ukraine, sources of the NHK television and radio company said in the North Atlantic alliance. They said Tokyo will purchase non-lethal equipment and gear, including radar systems and body armor, as part of the initiative. The NHK interlocutors noted that the Japanese authorities had informed several NATO members and Ukraine about their decision. An official announcement should follow soon.
One of the North Atlantic Alliance representatives noted that even non-lethal equipment is extremely important for Ukraine, and Japan's participation in the program itself is a "significant step forward." At issue is the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative, launched by the US and NATO after US President Donald Trump cut aid to Kiev. It allows the delivery of critical U.S.-made weapons and equipment to Ukraine at the expense of European countries that are members of the North Atlantic Alliance. Australia and New Zealand have also joined the initiative. Partner countries finance purchases according to Kiev's prioritized list of needs by coordinating contributions through a special NATO fund. In particular, through this mechanism, Ukraine receives anti-aircraft missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
Late last year, Japan transferred 8.8 billion Japanese yen (about 47.7 million euros) to Kiev under the Emergency Recovery Program and agreed to launch the next phase of grant aid. Also in January, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) allocated 4 billion yen (more than $25 million) for demining and medical assistance to Ukraine's residents. Prior to that, Tokyo provided Kiev with $12.1 billion in financial aid, which was used, among other things, to cover the state budget deficit and restore damage from military operations. The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly thanked Japan for financial and humanitarian support, as well as for imposing sanctions against Russia.