Given the threat posed by North Korea’s missile and nuclear weapons program, Japan is considering purchasing cruise missiles from its protecting power, the US. The government is considering purchasing US sea-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported Friday, citing government circles.
In addition to the threat from North Korea, the background is also China’s growing military drive for power. With cruise missiles, Japan would have the ability to take out enemy missile bases. Procurement of such offensive weapons is controversial in Japan given its pacifist post-war constitution.
Japan’s security policy so far has focused solely on defense. However, against the background of the increasingly tense security situation, the G7 country now wants to drastically strengthen the country’s defenses, as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida explained.
A review of the national security strategy is scheduled for the end of the year. According to Kyodo, the government aims to include offensive weapons such as cruise missiles.
North Korea fired another missile
Meanwhile, North Korea has fired another potentially nuclear missile, according to the South Korean military. After take-off, it flew towards the sea in the east, the general staff said on Friday.
So the missile was a ballistic missile. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there is growing evidence of an impending nuclear test by North Korea. Experts expect that ruler Kim Jong Un could also conduct his first nuclear test since 2017 in the coming weeks.
UN resolutions prohibit North Korea from testing ballistic missiles, which – depending on the design – can also carry a nuclear warhead. North Korea has been conducting high-frequency missile tests since late September.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
