North Korea Condemns Japan's Missile Range Extension Plan

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] North Korea strongly condemned Japan's plan to extend the range of the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile (SSM).

On the 22nd, the Korean Central News Agency issued a commentary stating, "The Japanese authorities officially announced a decision to increase the range of the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile over the next five years starting next year," adding, "This is nothing less than an open declaration of their intention to openly equip themselves with means for aggressive war."

It continued, "They are planning not only to deploy the missiles with extended strike range on land but also to equip and operate them on fighter jets and warships," pointing out, "They aim to expand their offensive operational capabilities in the air, on land, and at sea to keep neighboring countries constantly within range and to realize their ambition of continental re-invasion through sudden attacks."

Furthermore, it warned, "Japan's reckless move to become a dangerous military power by once again embarking on the path of overseas aggression is a foolish act that will bring disaster upon itself," and cautioned, "If they forget the lessons of defeat and rampage indiscriminately, they will inevitably suffer the fate of being burned by the fire they themselves ignited."

The plan to upgrade the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile over five years to increase its range from the current approximately 200 km to 1000 km was disclosed.

It is expected that not only the entire territory of North Korea but also parts of China and Russia will fall within the missile's range.

Reflecting such upgrade projects, the Japanese authorities increased the defense budget for the next fiscal year.

The Ministry of Defense decided on a defense-related budget proposal of 5.3422 trillion yen for the 2021 fiscal year (expenditure basis) at the Cabinet meeting the previous day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.