Japan to buy missilecombat systems in face of North Korean threat
TOKYO — Japan’s cabinet approved a plan today to purchase a set of costly land-based U.S. missilecombat systems to increase the country’s defence capabilities amid escalating threats from North Korea.
The approval will allow the Defence Ministry to buy two Aegis Ashore systems to add to Japan’s current two-step missile defence, which consists of Patriot batteries and Aegis-equipped destroyers.
“North Korea’s nuclear and missile development has become a greater and more imminent threat for Japan’s national security, and we need to drastically improve our ballistic missile defence capability to protect Japan continuously and sustainably,” a statement issued by the cabinet said.
The purchase will add to growing defence costs in Japan as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government pushes to allow the military a greater international role and boost its missile-combat capability.
Defence officials say two Aegis Ashore units can cover Japan entirely and would cost about $1.8 billion US, though they have not released exact figures. The deployment is planned for 2023.
Abe has said he fully backs U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy of keeping all options on the table, including possible military actions, against the North. Abe has vowed to bolster Japan’s security co-operation and increase use of advanced U.S. missile defence equipment.
Defence officials declined to give details about potential sites for Aegis Ashore deployment, while Japanese reports cited Self-Defence Force bases in Akita, northern Japan, and Yamaguchi, in southwestern Japan.
Defence officials said they chose Aegis Ashore over a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence option because it is cheaper and more versatile.