Japan is adapting its layered air- and missile-defence architecture to address an increasingly complex threat environment, including protecting remote areas and countering hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs). At the March 2026 summit, US and Japanese leaders agreed to strengthen missile-defence cooperation, aiming to 'rapidly increase by fourfold' SM-3 Block IIA missile production in Japan.
Japan is deploying Type-03 surface-to-air systems to the Ryukyu Islands, with a further deployment to Yonaguni Island planned for FY2030. The JSDF is introducing an Upgraded Type-03 SAM with ballistic-missile-defence (BMD) capability and commissioning two Aegis System-Equipped Vessels (ASEVs) by FY27 and FY28. To counter HGVs, Japan plans to integrate the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) with PAC-3 MSE interceptors and equip Maya-class destroyers and ASEVs with SM-6 missiles. The Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), co-developed with the US, will equip ASEVs to counter HGVs in the glide phase, aiming for 2035 operational status. Additionally, Japan, South Korea, and the US activated a real-time North Korean missile-warning data-sharing mechanism in December 2023, complementing Australia-US intent to expand trilateral cooperation with Japan on air- and missile-defence threat data sharing.
This is an editorial summary for informational purposes. All rights to the original content belong to the respective author and publication.
No comments:
Post a Comment