Japan "To respond to ballistic missiles... Must have capability to strike enemy bases" discussion begins

Japan Air Self-Defense Force F35 fighter jet.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] It has been reported that Japan has begun discussions to strengthen its missile response capabilities, including the possession of 'enemy base strike capability.'

According to a report by Asahi Shimbun on the 13th, Japan's Ministry of Defense launched the 'Defense Strengthening Acceleration Meeting' under the leadership of Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and held its first meeting the day before. The Ministry of Defense is expected to set the direction for revising documents containing the basic policies of Japan's defense strategy, such as the 'Outline of Defense Planning' and the 'Mid-Term Defense Capability Development Plan,' through this meeting.

At a press conference that day, Defense Minister Kishi stated, "We will discuss all options, including the possession of enemy base strike capability." Enemy base strike capability refers to the ability to attack and destroy enemy bases or military strongholds, such as ballistic missile launch sites, using bombers, cruise missiles, and other means.

Some speculate that this may be aimed at scenarios where Japan strikes enemy bases just before an attack to neutralize them. Others view it as a form of deterrence to prevent the enemy from attacking Japan.

Recently, within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, there have been calls to possess enemy base strike capability, given that neighboring countries are enhancing their military power, with North Korea repeatedly launching missiles and China conducting hypersonic missile tests. However, the coalition partner Komeito has taken a cautious stance, stating that "possessing enemy base strike capability is an outdated discussion that does not fit the times."

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