After scrapping the deployment of the U.S.-made ‘Aegis Ashore’ missile defense systems last week, Japanese leaders are proposing pre-emptive strike options to deter North Korea – and China (RELATED: China Rushing to Double Its Nuclear Forces by 2030). This would be a major new test of Japan’s pacifist constitution which precludes offensive military capabilities.
However, the dramatically growing threat from a reckless North Korea, and increasingly from an ascendant and belligerent China, is changing the calculus in Tokyo – and Washington. Japan is saying that the new security environment requires new thinking.
“New efforts are needed to improve deterrence, including the possession of the ability to defeat ballistic missiles and other weapons, even in the territory of an opponent,” said the just-released proposal by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) defense policy committee, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). This clearly entails an offensive strike option.
Japan’s National Security Council is set to consider the proposal in August. But what would this new strike capability look like?
Asian Review reported that “There is already a plan for acquiring hardware capable of preemptive strikes. The defense ministry decided to introduce long-range cruise missiles to the arsenal in 2017.”
The missiles, which have a range of 900 km, would be fired from Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets. The government, however, maintains the missiles are not for the purpose of attacking enemy bases. Some in the LDP have argued in favor of possessing land and sea-based cruise missiles.
To be truly effective though, offensive capability alone is not enough. Japan should also consider other alternatives for missile defense. The LDP proposal addresses this concern and said “Japan should look for ways to find similar improvements to its missile defenses to those the Aegis Ashore system would have provided, while also using deterrence to ward off any possible attacks,” reported WSJ.
The Aegis Ashore missile defense system would have provided Japan with a “nationwide layer of protection against ballistic missiles,” noted WSJ, however, “Tokyo blamed major new costs and delays from modifications needed to ensure rocket debris from the Lockheed Martin Corp.-developed Aegis Ashore system didn’t land on residential areas in Japan.”
Alternatives to Aegis Ashore include, according to Asian Review, “expanding the fleet of Aegis-equipped warships or building artificial mega float structures to stage Aegis systems offshore.” But if cost is a significant factor, both these options are also very expensive.
Whatever the future holds for Japan’s defense strategy, when it comes to missiles, the country should consider having a mix of defensive and offensive capability. That will provide the best defense – and deterrence.
READ NEXT: U.S. Deepening Defense Ties With Asian Allies to Counter China >>
Advertisement
Help President Trump Stop Joe Biden [ACT NOW]
China, North Korea, Russia and Iran are genuine threats to America and all of it’s allies. Being prepared to deal with outright hostility by our enemies is a must if we want to survive! It’s a kill first or be killed situation. None of us want it but, it’s necessary for our survival!
Don’t worry, if Biden gets in he’ll side with China, North Korea, Russia and Iran. Just saying. Antifa and BLM will be the new police force all whites need not apply!
And the newly expanded SCOTUS will uphold such a law, ruling that whites not apply is not racial discrimination under civil rights laws.
Our three main enemies are #3, Islam. #2, China. And #1,The Democratic party which assists #3 and #2 in their quest to destroy America. # 4 would be Iran because of their backing terrorism around the world , #5 would be North Korea because if this moronic dictator finds out he’s dying he could launch his missiles. # 6 could be #4 and that is Saudi Arabia which financially backs terrorism and it backs muslim law in America.Russia isn’t in the picture until at least # 7 because they are communist but their power is not as strong as the old Russia. Putin likes to flex his power but that only goes as far as his neighboring countries.
Nice rundown.
BTW, Russia has deployed its Hyper Sonic and Hyper Glide missiles. Russia fast nuclear Tsunami torpedoes are deployed now too.
I like your thinking. What is interesting to my Biblical eschatology is that in the long list of adversaries, Russia is the only one mentioned among all of the countries that gang up against Israel prior to the second coming.
Russia is “Magog” in the bible
Your right about these sorry ass liberal democrats being Americas #1 enemy.. They are the Confederate party 155 years later. I guess we will have to organize and kick their ass again.. this time eliminate. them for good
Aegis Ashore missile defense system is a poorly designed P0S? …WOW!
Where do you get your info?
Uhh, the article.
Do NOT test this President and our WARRIORS.
God help us if Biden the brain dead fool is elected all of the country’s that want to destroy us will take advantage of the lawless state we will be in and they know he is an idiot that can’t think
not going to happen
Japan has learned first hand the use of nukes. They also know how to pull off a preemptive strike.
A Half Assss first strike you mean.
Drydocks, Fuel tanks, Repair yards and more were ignored. All the attack did was pissss us off.
That’s really funny come to think of it!
Good thing we have already deployed nukes in Japan! Oh
Do not announce serious offensive plans in advance of your ability to do it and survive an attack!
Our nation has the natural resources, give Japan what they need and allow them to not only purchase but design, build and test whatever they deem necessary to defend themselves. The Ronald Reagan battle group and CVW-5 need to be prepared to defend Japan as well.
Hum, it seems like my saying a war with China is not to far off might be true. I think we need to take care of the idiot protesters first.