Japan Tells U.S. of Intention to Build Missile Interceptor Ship to Replace Land-Based Aegis

It is reported that in order to gain the understanding of the U.S. side, Japan has now informed the U.S. that it will build a dedicated ballistic missile interceptor ship to replace the land-based missile interceptor system deployed in Akita and Yamaguchi, the “Land-based Aegis System” program, Japan will also take this opportunity to propose a missile interceptor security policy related to the enemy base attack capability, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe considered in the first half of this month before leaving office, in the form of a statement to talk about this idea.

The “Land-based Aegis System” was introduced to Japan from the United States in December 2017 following Japan’s decision in response to North Korea’s frequent missile launches. In Japan-U.S. discussions, 180 billion yen in contracts for this project have been signed and more than 12 billion yen has been paid out.

However, the Land-based Aegis system has many unresolved deficiencies in the installation process, is very expensive, and is difficult to defend against new supersonic missiles developed by China, Russia, and North Korea.

Japan’s Defense Minister Taro Kono told the media on June 15 in the Ministry of Defense that the deployment of the land-based missile interceptor system “Land-based Aegis System” would be halted in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures, but Japan abruptly suspended the “Land-based Aegis System” program, a major project. How does the U.S. feel about the arms business? Japan is more worried.

Aegis ships also have multifunctional frigates that can respond to enemy fighters and submarines, while the special ships focus on missile interceptor functions and will carry the Lockheed radar “SPY-7” and missile launch systems contracted under the land-based Aegis program, which can restrain the breach of contract, and Japan will use this as an opportunity to promote a new missile defense program with the ability to attack enemy bases.

However, some opposition parties and the ruling Kumei Party, which is ruling together with the LDP, have expressed concern that it will override Japan’s principle of exclusive defense, and Abe said at a press conference on August 28, when he announced his resignation, that he would “promptly coordinate with the ruling party to advance the concretization of the program.