Japan's defense ministry has struck a deal to transfer domestically manufactured PAC-3 interceptor missiles to the United States. This follows the government's easing of defense equipment export rules last year.

A revision of the guidelines on defense equipment transfers makes it possible for Japan to export equipment manufactured domestically under license from a foreign firm to the country where the licenser is based.

The deal to transfer the PAC-3 missiles, manufactured by a Japanese firm and owned by Japan's Air Self-Defense Force, comes at a time when the US has a shortage of interceptors due to its support for Ukraine.

Japanese officials haven't disclosed how many interceptors will be sent, but the total value of the deal is said to be around 19.5 million dollars.

This is the first time Japan has transferred PAC-3 missiles under the terms of the revised guidelines. The production of the missiles began in Japan nearly two decades ago.

Defense Minister Kihara Minoru told reporters that the deal is important for the Japan-US alliance. He said Japan is ready to continue defense equipment transfers because they will contribute to the nation's security as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.