Missile defense

Commentary / Japan Aug 13, 2020

Explaining Japan’s policy debate on strike capability

by Daisuke Akimoto

The policy debate over Japan’s acquisition of a strike capability against enemy bases is not a new topic.

Commentary / Japan Jul 10, 2020

Is the Aegis Ashore cancellation a mixed blessing?

by Tatsumi Yuki

Japan has a chance to ensure its national security policy institutions are better equipped to respond to the rapidly evolving security environment.

Commentary / Japan Jul 1, 2020

Missile defense in Japan after the Aegis Ashore cancellation

by Yoichiro Sato

Defense Minister Taro Kono’s announcement has opened a Pandora’s box of politically tough questions.

Commentary / Japan Jun 22, 2020

Japan's strike options assume new urgency

by Brad Glosserman

Strategists and military planners in Tokyo and Washington must rethink what is required to ensure that adversaries are deterred.

National Dec 11, 2019

After errors in Akita plan, Japan may pick new site for U.S.-developed missile defense system

The government leans toward reviewing its current plan to deploy the U.S.-developed Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system in the city of Akita due to strong local opposition.

National / Politics Oct 27, 2019

LDP eyes project team for North Korea missile defense

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering establishing a new project team soon to discuss the strengthening of missile defense measures amid rapid progress made by North Korea in its nuclear and missile development programs, LDP lawmakers said Saturday. The project team is expected to ...

World Jan 18, 2019

After once declaring all-clear, Trump missile defense review calls North Korea 'extraordinary threat'

President Donald Trump unveiled a revamped U.S. missile defense strategy on Thursday that called North Korea an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared the threat posed by Pyongyang had been eliminated. The Missile Defense Review, which also detailed concerns about the burgeoning ...

National / Politics Dec 24, 2018

U.S. plans to deploy new homeland defense radar system in Japan from 2023

The Pentagon is underscoring the necessity of measures to cope with North Korean ballistic missiles and supersonic missiles under development in China and Russia.

Commentary / Japan Jul 30, 2018

Japan's risky Aegis Ashore radar choice

by Dan Leaf

For cost, performance and operational reasons, it makes little sense to go it alone.

National Jul 3, 2018

Government to pick Lockheed Martin radar for missile defense system: ministry official

by Nobuhiro Kubo

The government has selected an advanced radar system made by the U.S. firm for its multibillion-dollar Aegis Ashore missile defense system.

National | EXPLAINER Mar 26, 2018

As moves for dialogue between North Korea and allies gather momentum, Japan prepares to enhance its missile shield

by Daisuke Kikuchi

As the world looks to upcoming summits involving Pyongyang, Seoul and Washington with hopes of achieving even slight progress toward denuclearizing North Korea, Japan's Defense Ministry maintains that it's still too soon for the nation to consider dropping plans to boost security. Defense Minister Itsunori ...