The Militarization of North East Asia: Japan Acquires US Aegis Ashore BMD Missile Defense System, Bonanza for US Weapons Industry
Japan’s Cabinet on Dec.19 approved a plan to purchase two Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems to add to Japan’s current two-step missile defense consisting of Patriot Advanced Capability-batteries and Aegis-equipped destroyers. The government’s decision is explained by the “need to drastically improve our ballistic missile defense capability to protect Japan continuously and sustainably.” North Korea on Nov. 29 tested a new, more powerful ballistic missile that it says can fly over Japan’s current missile defense shield.
