Missile Defense & Japan

Japan's Missile Defense

The Threat: Weapons of Mass Destruction in Japan's Area of Influence

A ballistic missile threat consistent with the general increasing proliferation of ballistic missile worldwide, this serious problem has emerged in the area adjacent to Japan; namely China & the Korean peninsula.

1993 � North Korea Tests No Dong
1996 � China Fires 4 M-9 Missiles in Taiwan Straits
1998 � North Korea Tests Taepo Dong

The Defense of Japan: Role of Missile Defense

Given this emerging missile threat environment, missile defenses have a crucial relevance to the common mutual security interest of Japan and her ally, the U.S., concerning the defense of Japan.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense ballistic defenses based in Japan will serve at least 3 roles in the protection of Japan.

(1) Japan�s military forces and bases
(2) U.S. forces and bases in Japan
(3) the Japanese population and territory

Missile Defense and Japan�s Security Policy/International Role

Japan is assuming more international responsibilities � economically, politically and national security. Missile defenses that protect Japan are consistent with this.
Missile defense is designed to only protect against an incoming missile attack, including accidental missile launches, this is fully compatible with Japan�s constitutional anti-nuclear posture.
Strategist believe that Japan's missile defenses would encourage strategic stability by diminishing substantially any temptation a would-be aggressor might have to use ballistic missiles as part of an attack on Japan, or even to attack Japan in the first place.

US-Japan Missile Defense Activities
Missile Defense is nothing new between the U.S. and Japan, there is a history of U.S./Japanese discussions on this matter since 1987.


July 1987: SDI Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between U.S. and Japan.

1988-92: WESTPAC Architecture Study (US Government contracts to two industry teams: MHI and LTV/KHI

December 1993: Bilateral TMD Working Group Established

October 1994: Agreement to conduct Bilateral Study on BMD

January 1995 - July 1997: Bilateral Study on BMD conducted.

*Japan Defense Agency determined that BMD was technically feasible

*The study concluded that an appropriate BMD architecture to defend Japan could be established

September 1997: Bilateral BMD Technical Experts Group Established to Pursue R&D Cooperation on Naval Theater Wide System�s future capability (NTW Block II)

December 1998: Security Council of Japan decides to proceed with cooperative technical research with U.S. on the Navy�s Theater Wide System

August 1999: Bilateral MOU is signed to begin Cooperative BMD R&D. First phase was Requirements, Analysis and Design of four components for Naval Theater Wide Block II System: Lightweight Nosecone, IR Seeker, Divert and Attitude Control System, and Second Stage Rocket Motor.

September 2001: An Amendment to the Bilateral MOU wwas signed thus begining planning for next phase: The Demonstration and Validation Phase.

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Japan's Missile Defense In the News:

Japan eyes joint missile production with US: report

US praises Japan on missile defense system


Opposition to Japan's Missile Defense:

China concerned over US-Japan Misile defense
www.spacedaily.com...

Russia opposes joint US-Japan missile defense
www.cndyorks.gn.apc.org...


Further Political & Strategic Analysis:

Washington Times Editorial
Japan's missile defense-Analysis

Nautilus Institute (Strategic Think Tank)
STRATEGIC RELATIONS AND JAPAN�S OPTION

The Heritage Foundation (Geopolitical Think Tank)
.S.-Japan Cooperation and Ballistic Missile Defense


The Stanley Foundation (International Security Think Tank)
Ballistic Missile Defense and Northeast Asian Security

The Japanese Foreign Press Center
A Japan Capable of Meeting Threats

yep, those japanese love their missiles.

Intelgurl delivers the motherload of info...

I've always supported missile defense, myself. Especially after getting Scuds shot at our position during the Gulf war. If it weren't for the Patriot Missile batteries, I probably wouldn't be here. (I know that's on a much smaller scale. I'm just using that as an example.)

There are many detractors who claim it can't be done. I say, why not? Did we or didn't we put a man on the moon? If we really did, then why can't we develop a missile shield?

In your opinion, Intelgurl, where are we really at in the development process?

Good thread, by the way. Very informative.