[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 25th, Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the Japanese government has prepared three alternatives to replace the ground-based missile interception system "Aegis Ashore," whose introduction plan was halted, by launching interceptor missiles from the sea.
According to the report, Nobuo Kishi, Japan's Minister of Defense, attended a security-related meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito the day before, proposing three methods as alternatives to Aegis Ashore: Japan Self-Defense Force escort ships, civilian merchant ships, and offshore facilities such as oil drilling platforms. All three methods assume integrated operation of radar and interceptor missile launch devices.
The Ministry of Defense plans to reach a conclusion by the end of the year, considering the cost, performance, and feasibility of each option.
However, there are skeptical views within Japan regarding the Ministry of Defense's plan. Mainichi Shimbun evaluated the three "mobile phase platforms" proposed by the Ministry as having uncertain feasibility and interception capability.
Mainichi pointed out that operating missile defense facilities on land allows for 24-hour personnel rotation and supply of necessary materials at any time, but operating at sea requires specific personnel to work long hours and is easily affected by weather conditions, making it difficult to maintain an uninterrupted missile defense posture. Additionally, systems developed assuming land operation require modification work to be used at sea, and costs could significantly increase depending on the attitude of the United States.
The Japanese government had promoted the deployment plan of Aegis Ashore to respond to North Korea's ballistic missile attacks but completely canceled the plan in June, citing the risk that the booster, the propulsion device after missile launch, could fall on residential areas.
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