The US wants to buy Japanese explosives to make artillery shells for Ukraine.

Reuters quoted an anonymous source as saying that the administration of US President Joe Biden is reportedly looking to secure supplies of TNT explosives to make artillery shells through Japanese subcontractors.

Also according to Reuters , the US is looking to expand the production line of 155 mm artillery shells to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army.

Reuters sources added that during the recent visit to Tokyo by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Japan said they would allow Japanese companies to sell TNT explosives to Washington because these are not products for military purposes.

US wants to buy Japanese explosives to make artillery shells for Ukraine - 1 — The Ukrainian army is seriously lacking large-caliber artillery shells, and the only current supply is from the US and some Western countries. (Photo: Sputnik).

Reuters quoted a private source as saying that the US will select a qualified Japanese contractor to supply explosives for artillery shells. The explosives will be shipped from Japan to US military weapons manufacturing companies.

Currently, Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy as well as the Japanese Ministry of Defense 's Procurement, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment on the information posted by Reuters.

Meanwhile, the US State Department said that Washington is working with allies and partners "to provide Ukraine with all necessary assistance" and that Japan "has demonstrated a leading role in providing defense assistance to Ukraine."

Reuters then tried to contact 22 Japanese industrial explosives manufacturers but none responded. Only one, Hiroshima-based Chugoku Kayaku, said it had “not received any direct negotiations from the US government or the US military.”

Japan's Constitution prohibits the country from exporting military goods to countries involved in conflicts. However, export restrictions on dual-use products or equipment that could be used in the production of weapons are less stringent.

Currently, Japan only participates in providing Ukraine with logistical and military supplies such as bulletproof vests, bulletproof helmets and food.

The US and its allies began increasing military aid to Kiev shortly after Russia began its special military operation in Ukraine. In the latest development, the Pentagon announced a huge new aid package worth 300 million USD for Ukraine, including a variety of ammunition, from rifles, drones to anti-aircraft missiles.

Moscow has repeatedly warned countries sending weapons to Ukraine that the Russian military would view such military aid shipments as legitimate targets. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has also warned that such military aid would be tantamount to direct involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

Tra Khanh (Source: Sputnik)

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