Japan set to approve new ships and missiles but defer legal questions
Two new destroyers will fill the gap left by a canceled deployment of Aegis Ashore, while improved missiles will offer the ability to strike from beyond the range of enemies.
Japan Defense Ministry plans new Aegis destroyers in place of Aegis Ashore
The two new destroyers, for each of which some 250 crew members will be secured, will go into service with eight other Aegis ships already scheduled for deployment.
Lockheed exec says Aegis radar 'fully capable' for MSDF vessels
Given that a sea-based option is now more likely, some LDP lawmakers have raised concern that interoperability between the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy may be undermined.
Japan considering use of large ship as alternative to land-based Aegis system
Japan is considering using a large ship as an alternative to the scrapped U.S.-made Aegis Ashore missile defense system as part of efforts to counter missile threats posed by North Korea, according to government sources. The sources said Saturday the Defense Ministry is mulling the ...
A group of lawmakers of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday proposed that the government build a new Aegis destroyer as an alternative to the abandoned Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system. The group said that an Aegis destroyer can offer flexibility in operations ...
Sea-based missile defense may cost Japan double price of Aegis Ashore
Delays and higher costs could rekindle support for an onshore plan, as Japan's public finances are strained by debt.
Japan says it will decide on Aegis Ashore alternative by year's end
In a call with his U.S. counterpart, Japan's defense minister also indicated a willingness to hold a meeting involving defense chiefs from the four "Quad" countries.
Japan's Aegis Ashore alternatives face feasibility questions
As land-based radar systems consume a large amount of electricity, and installations on commercial vessels or rigs may be heavily impacted by weather conditions.
Japan lawmakers review three proposals for new missile defense system
The government presented three options Thursday for the country's new missile defense system, after it scrapped in June a plan to deploy Aegis Ashore land-based interceptors. The options are building a destroyer vessel armed with the entire interceptor system including radars, deploying the system at ...
The acquisition is in line with the medium-term defense buildup program for 2019-2023.
Japan strike capability could stoke simmering tensions in Asia
Experts say the move could drag Japan into a dangerous arms race with China that might force it to consider the acquisition of offensive weapons.
Japan considers building new destroyers solely for missile defense
The government hopes to include costs related to the new idea in fiscal 2021 budget requests to be compiled at the end of this month.
