Kyodo News
A next-generation missile interceptor being jointly developed by Japan and the United States would not be able to take out U.S.-bound North Korean long-range ballistic missiles flying over Japan, according to senior Defense Ministry officials.
This is because the range of the interceptor, dubbed the Standard Missile 3 Block 2A, would not allow an Aegis
-equipped ship off Japan to target high-flying missiles, the officials said.
-equipped ship off Japan to target high-flying missiles, the officials said.The finding could affect debate in Japan over whether to exercise right of collective self-defense to shoot down U.S.-bound missiles flying over this country.
With an estimated range of 200 to 300 km, the SM-3 is unable to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. But some military analysts had argued that the SM-3 Block 2A can get the job done, although its range has not been made public.
The SM-3 Block 2A, which the United States plans to begin deploying in 2018, is an advanced version of the SM-3 with a longer range and greater accuracy.
Because the new model will be able to counter decoys or multiple warheads, a single Aegis-equipped vessel is expected to be sufficient for defending Japan, instead of the two presently needed.
-equipped vessel is expected to be sufficient for defending Japan, instead of the two presently needed.Despite the outlook for the weapon, Defense Ministry officials said the next-generation interceptor might still be able to knock out missiles headed forHawaii if fired from nearby seas just before the hostile missiles re-enter the atmosphere.
if fired from nearby seas just before the hostile missiles re-enter the atmosphere.According to a ministry report, a missile fire by North Korea in April 2009 flew more than 3,000 km after passing 370 to 400 km above Japan. A missile bound for Hawaii, about 7,000 km away from the communist nation, would fly at even higher altitudes.
in April 2009 flew more than 3,000 km after passing 370 to 400 km above Japan. A missile bound for Hawaii, about 7,000 km away from the communist nation, would fly at even higher altitudes.In introducing the missile defense plan in 2003, Japan said it would not be used to defend third-party states. Tokyo's position is that the country has the right to defend an ally under attack but "cannot exercise" that right under the pacifist Constitution.
In 2008, however, a blue-ribbon panel proposed that the government's current interpretation of the Constitution regarding the right to collective self-defense be altered in favor of intercepting U.S.-bound missiles.
Washington has said that if Japan can't counter U.S.-bound missiles, it will make it difficult for the U.S. public to understand the need to maintain the alliance.
The Japan Times
