Reports on Japanese Missile Plans Misstate Significance
December 3, 2004 :: Yomiuri Shimbun :: News
The Associated Press reports that Japan is considering developing “long-range” ballistic missiles, in “an apparent reversal of post-World War II policy.” With such a “long-range weapon, Japan would have the capability of making a preemptive strike in foreign territory, raising concerns of a shift toward a more assertive policy.”
The purposes of such a development, however, appear to be different. The reporting distortions would seem to paint Japan as an aggressor in the region, when in fact the recent move points strongly to the increasing threats posed by North Korea and China.
The Japanese Kyodo and Yomiuri Shimbun news services recently reported on a draft outline for Japanese priorities over the next five years produced by the Japanese Defense Agency. The document apparently recommends research into surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with the capability of a few hundred kilometers and the ability to target installations used by potential enemies during an invasion of Japan.
Two points should be made about the suggested missile development. (Link)
» Dec. 3: Associated Press report, suggesting Japanese aggression
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Japan to Produce Patriot Interceptors
November 23, 2004 :: AFP :: News
The U.S. has agreed to permit Japan to begin production of the Patriot (PAC-3) interceptor which will form a part of Japan’s layered missile defense system. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. is expected to begin building the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 in 2006, with a goal of deploying the land-based Patriot and sea-based missile defenses by 2008.
The limited range of the Patriot interceptor is more adequate for Japan than for the United States, given the proximity to North Korean missiles, the significantly reduced speed of a shorter range missile, and the smaller territory to defend. Japan will likely supplement the PAC-3 with some form of the Aegis sea-based system, with the Standard Missile-3 and with a newer version. (Article, Link)
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» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Japan Joining Missile Defense Initiative
October 12, 2004 :: Washington Times :: News
Japan will likely soon officially state its joining the American led effort for missile defenses, in part due to its concerns about neighboring North Korea, reports the Washington Times. Japan will do so despite the need to revise previous statutory prohibitions on the export of weapons systems which might prohibit joint work on such defenses. (Article, Link)
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