Japan mulls introduction of long-range cruise missiles

December 6, 2017

Tokyo- The Japanese government is considering introducing cruise missiles with a range of over 900 kilometers, informed sources said Tuesday.

Possible candidates include the US-made Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range, the sources said.

The government is expected to earmark research costs for introducing long-range cruise missiles in its budget for fiscal 2018, which starts next April.

Long-range cruise missiles can be launched from areas outside the reach of enemy radar systems.

Japan needs such a device to defend its remote islands, a senior government official said.

But the move could pave the way for the country to acquire the ability to strike enemy bases.

If Japan possesses cruise missiles with a range of over 900 kilometers, the country would be able to attack nuclear and missile development facilities in North Korea without approaching the Korean Peninsula.

The Japanese government has suggested that the country is able to acquire the ability to strike enemy bases, within the scope of self-defense allowed under the constitution. But it has been refraining from doing so, based on the country's exclusively defense-oriented policy.

When asked in parliament about an ability to strike enemy bases, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said last month that the government is responsible for considering various options for ways to protect the lives of Japanese people and their peaceful lives.

The government is likely to study the possibility of Japan acquiring the enemy base attack ability when reviewing its defense buildup plans, the sources said. Jiji Press