Japan, US to Develop Hypersonic Missile Interceptors by 2030s

Japan, US to Develop Hypersonic Missile Interceptors by 2030s

Japan and the US recently decided to work together to make interceptors that can shoot down hypersonic missiles. A contract worth more than $3 billion was signed between the two countries to make this deal official. The idea came from a meeting in August at Camp David, where South Korea was also present.

Hypersonic Missile Threat

Hypersonic weapons technology has come a long way in areas close to Japan, which is why this development is so important. Today’s missile defence systems have a hard time keeping up with hypersonic weapons, which can fly at speeds over five times the speed of sound and have unpredictable flight paths.

More About Japan-United States military collaboration

  • Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security (1960): This deal makes the area safer and is the basis for military cooperation between the US and Japan.
  • Limits After World War II: Japan’s pacifist constitution, which was made after the war, at first limited its armed power.
  • Self-Defense Forces (SDF): Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been around since 1954 and work closely with U.S. troops, even though the constitution doesn’t allow it.
  • Collaboration Has Grown: Because of dangers from China and North Korea, there is more cooperation now.
  • Revised Defence Guidelines (2015): These rules let Japan be more involved in maintaining world peace, which makes the partnership even stronger.
  • Key Installations: Okinawa is home to several large U.S. military bases that are important for the security of the surrounding area.
  • Joint Drills: Exercises like Keen Sword show that Japanese and U.S. troops can work together very well.
  • Sharing of Technology: As part of the partnership, advanced technologies are being shared, such as missile defence systems and the creation of next-generation stealth planes.

More About Japan’s defence budget and policies

Japan’s defence budget for fiscal year 2023 is a record-breaking ¥6.8 trillion, which is a 20% rise from the previous year. This is because Japan is taking a more assertive stance on defence. Japan has been limited in the past by a pacifist constitution that was made after World War II. However, recent strategy reviews have led to policies that emphasized improving missile defence and cyber warfare capabilities. Japan is building up a counterstrike potential, which is a big change caused by North Korea and China’s threats in the area. Additionally, the government wants to double the amount it spends on defence, reaching 2% of GDP by 2027. To do this, it plans to use more cutting-edge technologies in defence, such as drones and AI.

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