Japan Agonizes Over Supply Of Defense Gear To Ukraine

The Japanese government has sent various supplies to Ukraine from Self-Defense Force (SDF) equipment, with the purpose of rendering support to the country under invasion by Russia, from protective gear such as bulletproof vests and protective masks to drones, Toshiaki Uchihashi reported for Mainichi Japan late on May 9, 2022.

Photo Insert: The equipment sent by Japan to Ukraine varied from protective gear such as bulletproof vests and protective masks to drones.

As drones could be used in attacks in some cases, it has raised the question of whether there is no problem with Japan supplying such gear, and just how far the country is allowed to provide such apparatus to a country under conflict.

A concerned expert points out that, "The Diet should deepen discussion on the matter to prevent Japan from expanding the varieties of defense equipment it supplies and the recipients of those items without debate."

On April 19, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi told a press conference after a Cabinet meeting, "Japan will provide the Ukrainian government with protective masks and clothing against chemical weapons, as well as drones."

The announcement came on the heels of Japan's earlier offer in March to supply bulletproof vests and helmets to Ukraine.

According to the Ministry of Defense, Japan's provision of supplies to Ukraine for free is based on the third clause of Article 116 of the Self-Defense Forces Act, which allows Japan to "transfer equipment no longer in use for the purpose of aiding a developing country."

As this does not permit Japan to supply weapons including ammunition, the Japanese government decided to limit aid supplies to equipment without deadly force and hand over brand new bulletproof vests and protective masks to Ukraine under the name of "disused items."

However, bulletproof vests, protective masks, and clothing are categorized as "defense equipment" in Japan and are subject to regulations under the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology," which provides for Japan's export rules on such equipment.

Japan previously maintained the "Three Principles on Arms Exports and Their Related Policy Guidelines," under which Japan in principle was prohibited from transferring defense equipment overseas.

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