Commentary / Japan Jul 3, 2020
Japanese defense: The trouble with 'strike' capabilities
by Michael Macarthur Bosack
Should the nation adopt policies and acquire equipment that would enable it to execute attacks onto foreign soil?
National Jun 30, 2020
The team will discuss alternatives to the Aegis Ashore plan, including enemy base strike capability, and draw up a proposal by the end of July.
National | FOCUS Jun 26, 2020
Japan certain to struggle in seeking alternative to Aegis Ashore
Relying on destroyers for the time being means they cannot be used for defense elsewhere, including the Nansei Islands chain covering Okinawa.
National Jun 25, 2020
Aegis Ashore deployments in Japan scrapped, defense minister confirms
On Wednesday the government started to review its national security policy, focusing on whether the nation should possess the ability to strike enemy bases.
National Jun 22, 2020
Fire breaks out at hazmat facility at U.S. air base in Okinawa
Dozens of personnel who were exposed to smoke or chlorine gas faced light injuries, the U.S. military said.
National Jun 22, 2020
Japan weighs Aegis Ashore alternatives, including megafloat or deployment aboard destroyer
Special teams will work to whittle down options, with the government aiming to make a decision by this summer.
National / Politics | FYI Jun 21, 2020
Defense Ministry blunders and local opposition ruin Japan's Aegis Ashore plans
by Eric Johnston
The controversial project was long troubled by doubts about whether it was even needed, and by whom.
National Jun 21, 2020
Japan detects apparent Chinese submarine traveling near Amami-Oshima Island
Defense Ministry refuses to formally disclose vessel's nationality or type because that could provide clues about the MSDF’s detection abilities.
National Jun 19, 2020
Defense chief Taro Kono visits Yamaguchi to apologize for Aegis Ashore cancellation confusion
Yamaguchi's governor and the mayor of Hagi criticized the government for not detecting the booster problem earlier and for dividing residents with the project.
National | ANALYSIS Jun 16, 2020
Is sudden decision to 'suspend' Aegis Ashore deployment a setback or a calculated retreat?
by Jesse Johnson and Satoshi Sugiyama
With Trump distracted by domestic issues, Abe may have judged the timing as ripe for halting the U.S.-made missile system without facing too much of a backlash.
National Jun 15, 2020
Japan suspends plan to deploy Aegis Ashore missile defense system
Defense Minister Taro Kono cited costs and technical problems as the main reasons for the decision to scrap the plan.