Nikkei: Japan May Use "Golden Dome" Cooperation as Leverage in Tariff Talks with the United States
The Japanese government is reportedly considering ways to cooperate with the United States on the "Golden Dome" missile defense network, which utilizes outer space and advanced technologies.
According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on June 3, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shared his understanding of the Golden Dome initiative during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump last month.
It is also understood that Japan may use cooperation on the Golden Dome as a bargaining chip in tariff negotiations with the United States. The Nikkei explained, "Japan, as an allied nation, aims to emphasize its contribution to security in order to draw concessions from President Trump."
Japan is observed to be seeking cooperation with the United States in areas such as advanced technology research for interception systems, as well as equipment and system development. The two countries have previously co-developed the SM-3 Block 2A interceptor missile.
Japan appears to believe that strengthening the U.S. missile defense network will benefit East Asian security, given the military threats posed by North Korea, China, and Russia.
President Trump has stated his intention to make the Golden Dome operational by the end of his term in January 2029. However, some critics argue that this goal is unrealistic.
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