Ukraine says it is in political dialogue with Japan to secure support for licensed production of Patriot air-defense missile systems. An aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is looking to manufacture Patriot systems under a U.S. licence, and points to Japanese industrial expertise through Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which produces the interceptors used by Japan’s defence forces. Ukraine’s position is that Japan’s pacifist constitutional rules would allow assistance connected to the licensed Patriot work, according to the reporting. The discussions aim to build cooperation with Japan, which is described in the coverage as one of the countries granted a licence to build the Patriot surface-to-air missile system. The reports characterize the outreach as diplomatic engagement focused on industrial and defence production arrangements rather than immediate deliveries, with Ukraine presenting its case for legal and policy feasibility under Japan’s framework. Both outlets describe Ukraine’s request as part of broader efforts to strengthen air-defence capabilities.