US asked to buy explosives from Japan to produce artillery shells for Ukraine?

Reuters on June 2 quoted two sources revealing that the US is looking for a TNT supplier from Japan to have raw materials to make 155mm artillery shells.

Japan maintains a policy of not supplying lethal weapons abroad and has regulations prohibiting domestic companies from exporting items such as the artillery shells that Ukraine is using daily in its conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian forces near Bakhmut fire artillery at Russian positions in April

However, a source said there was a way for the US to buy explosives from Japan. Tokyo has strict regulations on the export of products and equipment for military purposes. However, for products that can be used for both military and civilian purposes, the regulations are less strict, and thanks to that, the US was able to buy Panasonic's shock-resistant Toughbook laptops for the US military.

The source said Japan has informed the US that it will allow the export of TNT because the explosive is a product used not only for military purposes but also for industry.

The US wants to sign a contract with a Japanese company to supply explosives to ammunition factories owned by the US military that produce 155mm artillery shells. The Japanese Ministry of Defense declined to comment.

The country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said that items not subject to export restrictions for military purposes will be inspected under normal export regulations, which will consider the buyer’s intentions, including whether they will use the materials to disrupt international security.

The US State Department declined to comment on the request to purchase explosives from Japan but said it was working with allies and partners to provide the necessary support for Ukraine to defend itself.

South Korea has also been approached by the US about providing artillery shells, but a South Korean defense official stressed that Seoul maintains its stance of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/my-hoi-mua-thuoc-no-cua-nhat-de-san-xuat-dan-phao-cho-ukraine-185230602112759383.htm