Japan plans to develop cruise missiles to attack North Korean targets

(Baonghean.vn)- The Japanese military often uses US military equipment such as F-15 fighter jets and Aegis missiles. However, this is changing in the context of increasing military tensions from North Korea.

Earlier this week, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration is considering developing a stealthy, purpose-built Japanese cruise missile that can hit targets on the ground. The weapon would be an upgraded version of the US Tomahawk cruise missile.

A new North Korean cruise missile. Photo: KCNA

If developed, the Japanese-made missile would help regain control of remote islands disputed with China and other potential rivals, but it would also be designed to hit military bases in North Korea.

The missile to attack ground targets is expected to be developed as part of Japan's anti-ship missile program.

According to the Yomiuri newspaper, Japan's Defense Ministry plans to start research on anti-ship missile components in fiscal 2018. After that, the country will decide whether to add land-attack capabilities.

If so, it would be the first time Japan has fully developed cruise missiles that can attack ground targets. The Abe administration and members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) believe that Japan has the right to attack North Korean military bases due to the nuclear threat from its Northeast Asian neighbor./.

Lan Ha

(According to Asia Times)