On August 4, 2020, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received the recommendations report of the "Missile Defense Study Team" of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) which is Japan's ruling party.
Following the recent stop to the Aegis Ashore missile defense system deployment in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe's party is looking at possible alternatives. Options include additional Aegis destroyers, armed mega floats and even offensive conventional strike capability. Yoshihiro Inaba has the details and explains why the third option would be a major change for Japan's defense policy.
On June 3, 2020, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) released computer generated images (CGI) of the Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV), which is under construction by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. Acquisition of MRRV is part of the second phase of the joint Japanese-Philippine Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP), which was signed on February 7, 2020.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) announced this week its intention to halt deployment of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system citing difficulties in ensuring that rocket boosters from the interceptors do not fall in populated areas. The real reason may actually have to do with the radar system, namely SPY-6 and SPY-7. Yoshihiro Inaba has the story.
According to a document released by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Maya (DDG-179)「まや」 and her crew will undergo a "capability test".
Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) started developing a hypersonic guided missile able to attack both ships or ground targets. The missile, qualified as "game changer" by the Japanese Ministry of Defense's agency, will use scramjet engine technology for propulsion.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) plans to deploy a Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) in fiscal year 2026 as a new weapon to repel enemies that invade Japan's remote islands, from a safe distance. This HVGP could even target large surface ships such as aircraft carriers.
Photos taken on February 10, 2020 show a P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) flying with four new air-to-ship missiles (ASM) which are currently under development.
On February 2, 2020, the destroyer Takanami (DD-110) departed from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Yokosuka Naval Base for the Middle East.
Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding launched the new ocean surveillance ship "Aki" (AOS-5203) for Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) on January 15, 2020.
