Ruling Parties Discuss New Missile Development
Japan's government is seeking to gain consensus from the ruling parties over the proposed development of a new long-range cruise missile.
The "standoff missile" has a much longer firing range than the Ground Self-Defense Force's current surface-to-ship model. It can be launched from a point far enough away to evade fire from the target.
Some members of the ruling bloc want to limit the use and purpose of the missile so that it will not be understood to possess the capability to attack enemy bases.
The government is seeking Cabinet approval of the plan as part of its new missile defense policy as early as next week.
It also plans to include the construction of two new vessels equipped with the Aegis anti-ballistic missile system.
The new "standoff missile" can also be launched from ships and airplanes.
The government insists it is necessary to have the missile to block enemy attacks while securing the safety of SDF personnel.
Some members of the Liberal Democratic Party say discussions about whether the missile should possess the capability to attack enemy bases should not be delayed.
Meanwhile, some members of LDP's minor coalition partner Komeito stress the need to clarify that the country will not possess such capability.
The government says having the capability to attack enemy bases is not the purpose. It hopes to gain consensus by describing the issue in terms of "further discussion of strengthening deterrence."
