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
-
![Western Europe is looking to refresh its APC/IFV fleets with potential $41 billion spend]()
Western Europe is looking to refresh its APC/IFV fleets with potential $41 billion spend
As militaries across Western Europe continue to modernise their capabilities, there are some major potential opportunities in the requirement for armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![US Army orders more upgraded Bradleys as transformation threatens other programmes]()
US Army orders more upgraded Bradleys as transformation threatens other programmes
Compared to previous versions of the vehicle, the Bradley M2A4 upgrade includes an uprated suspension, a more powerful engine, an independent commander’s sight, a more capable electronic architecture and improved networking capabilities.
-
![De-Risking the Future: Manufacturing Certainty for Unmanned Systems]()
De-Risking the Future: Manufacturing Certainty for Unmanned Systems
How strategic manufacturing partnership solves the industrialisation triad — Scale, Compliance and Cost — for hyper-growth defence tech innovators.
-
![Battlefield mobility, made in the UK]()
Battlefield mobility, made in the UK
How does Britain ensure that we can preserve the lives of our soldiers and allies – now and in the future – with homegrown innovation and resilient domestic manufacturing? At Pearson Engineering, we are proud to be a central part of the answer to this increasingly important question.
