Japan counter-attack capability

It is almost certain that next year’s budget, when officially approved, will mark the 11th consecutive year of a record-high defense budget.

This will be the first launch range for a missile with a firing range of over 100 kilometers in Japan.

Japan’s defense minister said Tokyo would accelerate the purchase of the stand-off cruise missiles “in light of the increasingly severe security environment.”

Japan's defense build-up, including pursuit of a counter-strike capability, continues to require record-setting funds.

Not only has Japan become an indispensable ally for the U.S. in contingency planning, but Tokyo is also no longer relying solely on the United States to deter China.

Within Japan, there are debates as to how new – and how hawkish – the 2022 National Security Strategy really is.

Both KHI and MHI received major contracts to develop standoff missiles, part of Japan’s push for counterstrike capabilities.

MHI will develop upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles and new submarine-launched standoff missiles.

For the ninth year in a row, the budget draft set a new record for Japan’s national defense budget.

The shift in Japan's security policy was the result of a series of parliamentary debates stretching back decades.

After Tokyo announced its new security strategy, Pyongyang threatened to take a “decisive military step” in response.