Japan plans to join a NATO initiative to procure equipment in the United States for delivery to Ukraine, broadcaster NHK reported on 10 February, citing sources (as summarized by RBC).
According to an NHK source, Japan will provide funding exclusively for non-lethal equipment, potentially including radar systems and bulletproof vests.
Japan has already informed several NATO members and Ukraine of its plan. One NATO official told NHK that even non-lethal equipment is of significant importance for Ukraine, adding that Japan’s participation in the initiative is a notable development.
It is recalled that in the summer of 2025, the United States and NATO launched a new mechanism for supplying Ukraine with U.S. weapons — the Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which предусматривает financing through contributions from European allies and Canada.
On 1 February, Ukraine and NATO agreed on cooperation priorities. These include strengthening air defense, developing Patriot air defense missile systems, F-16 fighter jets, and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, RBC reported.
