Japan deliberates transfer of 155mm ammunition to UK
Japan has begun considering supplying the UK with 155mm ammunition. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
The Japanese government revealed it has been considering plans to supply the UK with 155mm ammunition for towed and self-propelled artillery.
Japan has begun considering plans to supply the UK with 155mm ammunition. The UK has been among the nations aiding Ukraine by providing the same type of shells and self-propelled artillery used in the Eastern European country's ongoing war with Russia.
Concerns have arisen about depleting stockpiles in countries contributing ammunition to Ukraine during the conflict, prompting consideration of alternative suppliers to mitigate inventory impact.
In response to a US request, the Republic of Korea (ROK) announced the production of 500,000 155mm ammunition units. Japan has been producing the 155mm shells under licence from BAE Systems.
Before exporting 155mm shells, Tokyo’s commitment involved providing the US with MIM-104 Patriot air defence system missiles. Japan has been a user of Patriot, with Mitsubishi manufacturing the PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles.
Discussions have centred around the possibility of facilitating additional transfers of Patriot systems and missiles to Ukraine, which has actively employed these defences against Russian missiles and aircraft. The US has already supplied Ukraine with its own Patriot systems.
More from Land Warfare
-
![AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion]()
AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion
Boeing will work with prime contractor Lockheed Martin to boost PAC-3 production capacity to hit higher delivery targets, as demand for the interceptors continues to surge.
-
![AUSA 2025: AM General “on target” for JLTV full-rate production in 2026 as it uncrews a Humvee]()
AUSA 2025: AM General “on target” for JLTV full-rate production in 2026 as it uncrews a Humvee
AM General believes it has completed working with customers for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to reach a final version of the vehicle and to prepare to begin producing vehicles under full rate production.
-
![AUSA 2025: Honeywell debuts SAMURAI CUAS system after demonstrations and trials]()
AUSA 2025: Honeywell debuts SAMURAI CUAS system after demonstrations and trials
The system is designed to operate against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and has been demonstrated for the US Army and Department of Defense. It is designed to be agnostic and provide software and C2 systems in support of a range of sensors and effectors.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI looks to home country’s recent experiences to meet Golden Dome demands]()
AUSA 2025: IAI looks to home country’s recent experiences to meet Golden Dome demands
Israel has developed a multi-layered defence system over a number of decades to defeat a range of air threats. The system was recently put to the test against larger and more sophisticated missiles than it has previously had to face.
-
![AUSA 2025: GDLS showcases an "undetectable" mission command version of the Stryker]()
AUSA 2025: GDLS showcases an "undetectable" mission command version of the Stryker
Based on the Stryker A1, the NEXUS vehicle has been engineered to provide reduced signatures across the visual, thermal, acoustic and electromagnetic spectrums.
