Weapons help Japan deal with the threat from North Korea
Aegis Ashore complex tested interception
North Korea on May 14 successfully tested a medium-range ballistic missile Hwasong-12, believed to have a range of up to 4,500 km, into the Sea of Japan, making Tokyo officials even more worried about the growing threat.
According to experts from National Interest, to deal more effectively with North Korean missiles, Japan’s current two-layer defense system, including the sea-based Aegis system and land-based Patriot PAC-3 missiles, is not enough.
Aegis system on the ground
The ground version of Aegis (Aegis Ashore) can help prevent North Korean missile warheads from falling on the Japanese mainland.
Aegis Ashore, especially the latest Baseline 9 variant using SM-3 Block IB missiles, can be highly effective in dealing with North Korea’s short- and medium-range missiles, helping Japan significantly enhance its capabilities.
KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft
To promptly detect the threat from North Korean ballistic missiles, Japan will have to regularly send fighter jets to conduct patrols over the Sea of Japan and be ready to carry out interceptions if necessary.
In case North Korea shows clear signs of preparing to launch missiles at Japan, Tokyo can send F-15J fighters or F-35 stealth fighters to launch pre-emptive strikes to suppress air defenses or raids.
Japan currently has 4 KC-767 aerial refueling aircraft, too few to support long-term ballistic missile countermeasures campaigns.
KC-46A tanker aircraft test flight
KC-46A tanker aircraft test flight
With a flight range of 12,000 km, the KC-46A can refuel F-15J and F-35 fighters operating in the Sea of Japan.
RQ-4 Global Hawk drone
Japan plans to buy long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) RQ-4 Global Hawk from the US.
The purchase of this long-range UAV will help the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) conduct many search, tracking and enemy damage assessment activities.
MQ-9 Reaper drone
As soon as intelligence, reconnaissance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets detect North Korea’s mobile launchers, they need to be quickly destroyed.
With increased range in the latest version, the MQ-9 can monitor many areas of North Korea, quickly attacking missile convoys with high-precision weapons.
Tomahawk cruise missile
In case Japan decides to pre-emptively attack North Korea, they need a weapon to clear the way, with the task of destroying the enemy’s air defense network and ballistic missiles.
Japanese warships can be modified to carry Tomahawk missiles.
With the ability to fly at low altitude, Tomahawk will overcome North Korea’s air defense network, destroying targets to open the way for the main force.
Japan still maintains its defense capacity at a minimal level with military spending accounting for only 1% of GDP, and the weapon systems it purchases also mainly specialize in defense.