Japan officially decides to buy new long-range missiles

Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera officially announced on December 8 that Japan will purchase long-range missiles to equip fighter aircraft.

According to him, these long-range missiles are not intended to attack enemy military bases but will ensure the safety of the Self-Defense Forces, have the ability to restrain attacks and threats from outside, and most effectively ensure Japan's security.

JSM missile. Photo: militaryaerospace.

Specifically, Japan will purchase the Norwegian-made JSM missile with a range of 500km to equip the F35A fighter jet, and the US-made LRASM and JASSM missiles with a range of 900km to equip the F15 fighter jet, of which the JSM is expected to be purchased in 2021.

The budget for purchasing long-range missiles will be increased by about 2.2 billion yen in fiscal 2018, and an additional 30 million yen is expected to be added to fund the review of fighter jets that will be equipped with the missiles Japan plans to buy.

Mr. Onodera also said that these missiles are capable of helping Japan carry out military tactics in all aspects to protect Japan from ballistic missile attacks by North Korea, and at the same time have a range within the easternmost part of Russia, reaching ships that intend to violate Japan's East China Sea./.

According to VOV