Japan Wants to Purchase Drones from Ukraine, Block the Japan Strait
The Japanese government is considering purchasing drone systems made in Ukraine and equipping its own military, trying to increase its containment capability over the straits. According to reports, the Japanese government in Tokyo is most interested in Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels. As part of expanding military cooperation with Ukraine, Japan may provide its own weapons equipment to Ukraine.
According to Kyodo News citing sources, this cooperation mainly involves missile technology, air defense systems, and joint R&D projects in the field of drones. Kiev hopes to strengthen military support and exchange modern warfare experience. This move not only expands the geographical scope of Ukraine's external aid but also intensifies the militarization of the conflict.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is particularly willing to cooperate with Japan in the field of weapon equipment, such as providing production technology and combat experience for maritime drones and interceptors. Military cooperation with Tokyo has special significance for Kyiv because Japan is one of the few countries that has independent production rights for air defense missile systems and corresponding missiles.
It is reported that Japan produces PAC-3 intercept missiles used in the Patriot air defense system, and will start supplying them to the U.S. military by the end of 2025 to replenish U.S. stockpiles.
Sakhalin Strait: Located between Hokkaido and Sakhalin Island, it connects the Sea of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea.
Tsugaru Strait: Located between Honshu Island and Hokkaido Island, it connects the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
Tsushima Strait (including the East and West channels): Located between Tsushima Island and Iki Island, it connects the Sea of Japan with the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea.
Kii Strait: Located between Kyushu Island and the Kii Islands, it connects the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Miyako Strait: Located between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island, although there is no 3-nautical-mile territorial sea, due to its width exceeding 24 nautical miles, there is an exclusive economic zone international shipping route in the middle, which is a main channel for Chinese warships to enter the western Pacific.
In addition, Japan also has the Tosa Strait, the Amami Strait, and the Ishigaki Channel.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859718323517440/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.