Japan develops long-range cruise missiles to counter China
(Baonghean.vn) - On March 19, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya said that the country intends to develop a long-range air-to-ship cruise missile, a move believed to be aimed at countering the advanced capabilities of Chinese naval vessels.
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| Japan's high-speed missile boat during a sea exercise. Photo: Nikkei Asia Review. |
Speaking to the press, referring to the recent deployment of long-range weapons on warships by some countries, Mr. Iwaya emphasized: "We will begin research and soon develop and deploy (the missiles) for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force."
Mr. Iwaya stressed the need to increase the missile's range, so that fighter jets could launch them from ranges far beyond the range of enemy weapons.
The plan includes increasing the range of Japan's ASM-3 supersonic air-to-ship missile, believed to have a range of less than 200 km to over 400 km, with the aim of enhancing Tokyo's ability to defend its southwestern island chain.
Tokyo has long considered Beijing's military activities a source of "strong concern" in the region.
