The Japan Times:
WASHINGTON – Japan and the United States are working toward the joint development of a new radar system for Aegis-equipped U.S. Navy warships, as part of efforts to improve defense capabilities, diplomatic sources said Sunday.
Coordination between the two countries on the plan aimed at developing capabilities to counter new weapons, including hypersonic missiles currently being developed by China and Russia, has entered its final phase, the sources said.
Japan, which also faces nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, is hoping to strengthen its security alliance with the United States through the joint development program.
Tokyo regards the envisioned joint development as important to national defense, but its involvement in the project could cause concerns about the country being seen as encouraging an arms race between major powers, some observers have said.
