Japan Mulls New Missile Defence System: Report

Japan is considering introducing a new type of
missile defence system to counter airborne attacks. Photo AFP

From AFP:

TOKYO (AFP) — Japan is considering introducing a new type of missile defence system to counter airborne attacks, notably from North Korea, a newspaper said.

Japan has two types of defence against airborne attacks -- the warship-installed Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) and Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3), a surface-to-air missile that tracks and hits incoming targets.

It plans to complete the shield by early 2011, deploying the PAC-3 missiles at 11 bases and setting up SM-3 missiles on several warships.

But the two systems still will not be enough to cover the nation's territory completely, the Mainichi daily said, without citing sources.

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Update: Japan mulls new missile defence system - media -- Reuters

My Comment: The Japanese Government has embarked on a major modernization and procurement program for their military. From making a request to purchase F-22s from the U.S. to upgrading their navy .... the budget spigot is now open. With North Korean missile provocations continuing, I would also expect major increases in missile defense procurements to be in the pipeline very soon.