Japan is preparing to join NATO’s PURL initiative to support Ukraine, committing funds exclusively for non-lethal US-made defense equipment, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported, citing sources within the alliance.
Several NATO officials told NHK that Tokyo is expected to formally announce its participation in PURL in the coming weeks. Under the plan, Japan will bankroll purchases of non-lethal equipment for Ukraine – likely including radar systems and body armor – while continuing to avoid direct funding of lethal weapons.
Japan has already notified several NATO member states and Ukrainian officials of the decision, the sources said.
A NATO official told NHK that even non-lethal equipment plays a “critical role” on the battlefield, calling Japan’s entry into the program “a significant step forward” in backing Kyiv against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Fast-Track NATO Support
Launched in 2025, PURL is a joint US–NATO mechanism designed to speed up deliveries of American-made weapons and equipment to Ukraine. Partner countries fund purchases based on Ukraine’s priority needs, with contributions pooled through a NATO-managed fund.
While the program has been used to move high-demand systems – including Patriot air-defense interceptors – Japan’s role will be strictly limited to non-lethal items.
Tokyo Steps Up – Carefully
Japan has steadily expanded its support for Ukraine while remaining bound by constitutional limits on arms exports.
Late last year, Tokyo transferred 8.8 billion yen (about $56.7 million) to Ukraine under its Emergency Recovery Program and approved a new round of grant aid.
In January, Japan’s international aid agency JICA committed an additional 4 billion yen (over $25 million) for mine clearance and medical assistance.
Air Defense Pressure Mounts
Ukraine has repeatedly urged allies to release air-defense missiles from their stockpiles as Russian strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure continue. NATO officials say work to secure additional interceptors is underway.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said European countries would mobilize more than $15 billion for arms purchases for Ukraine and urged EU states “sitting on interceptor stockpiles” to transfer them to Kyiv.
Delays in air-defense deliveries remain a sore point for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly criticized European partners – including at the World Economic Forum in Davos – over shortages of air-defense missiles.