It is essential to steadily upgrade the nation's defense capability in preparation for future threats. As East Asian countries have advanced their missile development, defense against them is a priority issue.
The government plans to introduce a land-based Aegis system, known as "Aegis Ashore," capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, and aims to start operating the system in fiscal 2023. It intends to deploy the system at training sites of the Ground Self-Defense Force in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures with two units that will cover the whole of Japan.
Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera visited both prefectures and asked their governors for understanding of the planned deployment of the defense system in the prefectures.
Under the current missile defense system, the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) is carried by the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyers to intercept missiles outside the Earth's atmosphere, and the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air guided missile operated by the Air Self-Defense Force is used to shoot them down if the SM-3 fails to intercept them. Aegis Ashore, which has a function equivalent to that of an Aegis-equipped destroyer, is regarded as playing a role to supplement the interception system.
It is important to reduce the possibility of missiles striking the nation.
The GSDF will take charge of operating Aegis Ashore. The nation's ability to defend itself must be improved by smoothly advancing integrated operations by the ground, maritime and air branches of the SDF.
In the two prefectures, some people have voiced anxiety over the idea that radio waves emitted by radars at ground facilities could pose a health hazard as well as concerns over whether the related facilities will become targets for terrorism.
Dispel local anxiety
During the meetings with the governors and others, Onodera expressed his readiness to examine the effects of the radio waves and consider measures to ensure the health of local residents. Efforts are necessary to dispel anxiety among local residents by holding a series of meetings to provide explanations.
North Korea has deployed ballistic missiles capable of reaching Japan. No path for dismantling the missiles came into sight, even at the U.S.-North Korea summit. It is only reasonable to prepare for even a remote chance of an emergency.
It is crucial to analyze anticipated changes in the security environment and improve the nation's defense equipment in a financially affordable manner. That will help win public understanding.
China possesses high-performance cruise missiles capable of flying at a low altitude, in addition to ballistic missiles. Its strategic bombers frequently fly over areas around Japan. The ASDF scrambled its fighters against Chinese aircraft 500 times last fiscal year.
Giving Aegis Ashore the ability to intercept cruise missiles is also possible. China's activities should be staved off by enhancing Japan's deterrence.
Aegis Ashore units are said to cost slightly less than 100 billion yen each and will be procured from the U.S. military. The United States has taken the initiative in setting the price, so the cost will tend to increase.
The government must make efforts to reduce costs through negotiations with the United States.
The government intends to boost the number of Aegis-equipped destroyers with missile defense capabilities from four to eight in the future. These destroyers also should be used for vigilance and surveillance in the Nansei Islands, around which Chinese naval vessels have sailed more frequently.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 23, 2018)
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