North Korea is advancing its missile technology. The government must steadily improve its defense capabilities without being bound by preconceived ideas.
The Liberal Democratic Party has compiled a set of proposals for strengthening the nation's missile defense and submitted it to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The ruling party has proposed alternative functions for the Aegis Ashore land-based interception system after the government decided not to introduce the system.
The proposals call on the government to "possess the capability to intercept ballistic missiles even within enemy territory." This is effectively proposing to have the capability to attack enemy bases. It is understandable that the proposals did not limit the scope to "enemy bases" on the assumption that missiles could be launched from a submarine or mobile launchpad.
North Korea has repeatedly launched ballistic missiles with anomalous trajectories. China is developing sophisticated weapons that fly at five times the speed of sound. It is difficult for Japan's current defense system to deal with such advanced weapons.
It is reasonable to have the option of attacking an enemy's missile site if damage is likely to occur in Japan. The implementation of self-defense measures against a country that initiates an armed attack is internationally recognized.
Japan has maintained a defense-only policy, with roles shared between the Self-Defense Forces, which focuses on defense, and the U.S. military, which is relied upon for offensive capabilities. In light of the growing threats, Japan should enhance its deterrence by complementing the U.S. role.
It is essential for the SDF to cooperate with U.S. forces to establish a system to collect information on missiles. The use of cruise missiles for island defense should also be considered.
The government plans to discuss the LDP proposals at the National Security Council and present new guidelines for missile defense in autumn. What measures can be taken within the scope of self-defense? Looking ahead to the future security environment, the issue must be examined from a variety of perspectives.
In addition to increasing the number of Aegis-equipped destroyers, the Defense Ministry plans to build an offshore missile launch base and to connect Aegis-equipped destroyers with radars installed on the ground.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force is struggling to secure personnel to increase the number of its vessels. The envisioned offshore base would be vulnerable to torpedo attacks. It is hoped the government will come up with practical and effective measures.
Fiscal constraints should not be taken lightly. The government has already paid nearly 20 billion yen to the United States as part of costs for deploying the Aegis Ashore system. It is important to find a way to operate the radars and other equipment that has been paid for without wasting them.
The LDP also proposed the use of satellite clusters to monitor missiles. The idea is to join a U.S. initiative to launch hundreds of satellites to monitor and intercept missiles from space. The costs are enormous. The cost-effectiveness of the plan must be examined carefully.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Aug. 10, 2020.
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