Defence Japan considering deployment of hypersonic missiles by 2030

[thomas]

Japan's Ministry of Defence is considering the deployment of hypersonic missiles by 2030 by stepping up its counterattack capabilities. The ministry is seeking counterforce capabilities as Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed the global security environment and North Korea's series of missile launches, and China's military movements threaten Japan, the report showed. Hypersonic missiles can fly at least five times faster than the speed of sound on a complex trajectory, which makes them difficult to be intercepted.

Japan will revise its national security strategy and other key defense documents at the end of the year, when it will outline its position regarding counterstrike capabilities, which is expected to include language regarding hypersonic missiles as well. One proposal is for Japan to adopt long-range missiles, a key tool for counterstrike capabilities and deterrence, in three stages. First, Tokyo could consider acquiring the Tomahawk and other battle-tested cruise missiles from Washington, which could happen on a short timeline with U.S. approval. Then it could update its homegrown Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, extending its range from less than 200 km currently to over 1,000 km. The updated missiles could be introduced as early as fiscal 2026.

Paywall alert:

Japan weighs hypersonic missile deployment by 2030 to boost deterrence

Chinese and North Korean threat spurs push for stronger counterstrike capability

asia.nikkei.com

None of the articles mentioned whether Japan intends to acquire hypersonic missiles or develop their own systems. In any case, 2030 might be a little late.

 

[Petaris]

2030 seems like posturing to me. Its far enough out that those politicians can claim all maner of excuses if it falls through, if they are even still in office.

 

[thomas]

LDP and Komeito representatives have agreed on acquiring counterstrike capability to "address the rapid deterioration of the regional security environment," heralding a significant shift in the nation's security policy.

The Liberal Democratic Party had advocated obtaining an enemy base strike capability, while its junior coalition partner Komeito, known as a pacifist party, had been wary that such a move would constitute a change in Japan's exclusively self-defense-oriented policy. The capability, which would allow Japan to fire upon and disable enemy missiles before they are launched from foreign territory, remains controversial among legal experts given that Japan has pursued pacifism under its war-renouncing Constitution since 1947. [...] The two parties have confirmed that such a capability would be used as part of exercising the right of self-defense and not for a pre-emptive attack, the sources said.

Japan ruling bloc agrees on acquiring 'counterstrike capability'

The capability, which would allow Japan to fire upon and disable enemy missiles before they are launched from foreign territory, remains controversial among legal experts.

www.japantimes.co.jp