Reuters:
TOKYO (Reuters) – Additional tests may add at least $500 million to Japan’s price tag for two U.S.-built ballistic missile interceptor stations that could struggle to shoot down the latest North Korean missile types, four government and defense sources said.
The tests are required to show the system is working properly, according to Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer. Held in Hawaii rather than Japan, they would cost about $100 million per launch.
“Japan is waiting to hear back from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency about what tests will be required,” said one of the sources. “Those tests haven’t been budgeted for.”
