Diplomatic and defense implications of halting Aegis Ashore

June 17, 2020

NHK

“The process of deploying ‘Aegis Ashore’ will be suspended due to considerations over costs and timing.”

Defense Minister Kono Taro’s surprise announcement that Japan was halting plans to add an extra layer to its missile defense capabilities could have major implications for the country’s defense policies and international relations.

The US-made land-based missile defense units were supposed to complement existing PAC3 interceptor missiles and Aegis-equipped destroyers to provide full coverage against a missile attack from North Korea.

In late 2017, the government said it would introduce two Aegis Ashore units. They would be deployed at Self-Defense Force sites in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures.

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Curtis Stiles - Chief of Staff

International Cooperation