To replace the abandoned plans for a ground-based interceptor system known as Aegis Ashore, the government is considering building a new Aegis cruiser, sources said.
In addition to responding to ballistic missiles from North Korea, the cruiser would be part of maintaining a "comprehensive missile air defense capability" to intercept China's advanced cruise missiles, several government officials revealed.
The Aegis Ashore's SPY-7 radar and missile launcher would be repurposed to use on the new cruiser. In addition to missile defense capabilities, the cruiser would be able to protect itself from attacks from ships, submarines and fighter jets.
The new cruiser is expected to be about the size of the Haguro, a 170-meter-long Aegis cruiser to be commissioned in March.
The government was considering building a vessel for only missile defense as an alternative to Aegis Ashore. However, this was abandoned after criticism from the Liberal Democratic Party and others that with no ability to protect itself, the cruiser would need some other form of protection, such as from other ships.
In addition to the high cost of building the new Aegis ship, funds will be needed to repurpose the Aegis Ashore equipment. Keeping costs down is expected to be an issue. The Maritime Self-Defense Force is suffering from a personnel shortage and is studying how to make do with its personnel.
The Defense Ministry has outsourced a technical feasibility study of the alternate plan to a private company. An interim report is expected as early as this month. Based on these results, an outline of the alternate plan would be released by the end of the year.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
