Newsweek
apan has test-launched a domestically developed ballistic missile in the United States, Tokyo said, amid the threats posed by China and North Korea.
The Chinese military and North Korea’s embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Newsweek has also emailed the Pentagon for comment.
Why It Matters
Japan, which consists of 14,125 islands in the Western Pacific Ocean, is enhancing its standoff defense capabilities to intercept and eliminate any invading forces “at a distance and at an early stage.”
While China has increased its number of medium-range ballistic missiles that are capable of striking American military bases in Japan, North Korea continues to develop nuclear-armed missiles, which are frequently launched toward waters near Japan during tests.
What To Know
The Japanese Defense Ministry on Friday revealed the development progress of the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, announcing the standoff missile—which is intended for use in defending the nation’s many islands—took part in four tests from last August to January in California.
Photos released by the Japanese military showed a ground-based launcher was used for the tests. It is not clear if the missile can be fired from other platforms such as ships.
