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| Japanese Type 3 SAM (Image: Wiki Commons) |
According to The Japan News, The japanese government intends to deploy an upgraded version of a surface-to-air missile with enhanced interception capabilities on the Nansei Islands to reinforce the air defense of remote islands, including the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
The ¥17.7 billion ($2.665 billion) cost of introducing the missile will be included in the Defense Ministry’s initial budget request for fiscal 2017. The government aims to deploy the missile around 2021.
Chinese military aircraft are increasing their activity around the Senkaku Islands. The government aims to enhance deterrence by deploying the upgraded version of the surface-to-air missile.
The missile to be introduced will be an improved version of a Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile, which will be mounted on a vehicle. It can intercept not only fighter aircraft but also high-speed cruise missiles. It has a longer range and a better ability to cope with multiple targets than the missiles currently deployed.
Read the full story at Army Recognition