[ad_1]
At a cabinet meeting on the 18th, the government decided to extend the range of the Ground Self-Defense Force Type 12 Guided Bullet (SSM) that targets ships from the ground and develop it as a cruise missile of long range that can attack from out of enemy range. .. Regarding the possession of the ability to attack enemy bases, the conclusion was postponed because “the government will continue to consider”, but without sufficient discussion by the Diet and the experts, the possession of the ability to attack enemy bases. it was further promoted in terms of equipment. As an alternative to the “Aegis Ashore” land interception system, it has also decided to build two new Aegis ships.
The Type 12 SSM development is called a “separation missile” and extends the range from the current hundreds of kilometers to about 900 kilometers. 33.5 billion yen will be allocated to the budget for fiscal year 2009 and will run over 5 years. The government has already acquired long-range cruise missiles from Norway and the United States and is proceeding with the necessary repairs to the fighters, but this time it will be developed nationally for the first time.
Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said in a post-Cabinet meeting on the 18th that he could attack the opponent while ensuring the safety of members of the Self-Defense Forces in the southwestern region.
Regarding the ability to attack enemy bases, the Abe administration withdrew the ground aegis deployment in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures in June. In a September speech shortly before his resignation, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe effectively urged the next administration to reach a conclusion before the end of the year, along with alternatives to the ground aegis.
Prime Minister Yoshii Suga has been considering alternatives to ground aegis, but adjustments are difficult due to deep-rooted opposition within the Komei Party against possessing the ability to attack enemy bases that may deviate from exclusive defense. We decided to forego the conclusion within a year.
It is criticized that “there is a risk of deviating from the defense policy that has been taken after the war and exclusive defense” (Atsushi Azumi, president of the Democratic Constitutional Party), since possession will be substantially promoted by Cabinet decision without public debate. It’s up. (Mikihiko Ueno)
