Japan considers deploying missiles near disputed islands with China

The Japanese government plans to deploy improved air defense missiles with interceptor capabilities on an archipelago near a chain disputed with China in the East China Sea.

Type-03 medium-range surface-to-air missile. Photo: Flickr.

The $176 million cost of deploying the missiles will be included in the Japanese Defense Ministry's budget proposal for fiscal 2017, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported.

Around 2021, the government plans to deploy missiles to bolster air defenses on remote islands, including the Senkaku/Diaoyu island chain disputed with China.. The missiles are expected to be delivered to the missile unit of the ground self-defense force stationed on the island.Miyakojima andIshigakijima, PrefectureOkinawa and the islandsAmami Oshima, PrefectureKagoshima.

The type deployed will be an improved version of the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile, mounted on a vehicle. It can intercept both fighter jets and high-speed cruise missiles. It also has a longer range and can handle more targets than the missiles currently deployed.

The Japanese government has been planning to buy missiles for years. A missile system including launchers, radars and other equipment will be included in the budget proposal.

In the East China Sea, the number of times Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) aircraft are taking off to intercept Chinese military aircraft is increasing. In June, a Chinese military aircraft approached an ASDF aircraft around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.

Location of islands near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Graphic: Japanprobe.

According to VNE