SU-30SM, SU-35S, and SU-34 flying in formation - Sputnik International, 1920
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Japan May Start Developing Cruise Missiles With Interchangeable Warheads in 2023

© AFP 2023 / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURAJapanese Ground Self-Defense Force type-92 anti-mine rocket launcher
Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force type-92 anti-mine rocket launcher  - Sputnik International, 1920, 17.01.2023
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TOKYO (Sputnik) The Japanese government has decided to start developing cruise missiles with interchangeable warheads with a range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), as early as the the current year, Japanese media reported on Tuesday.
The development of a prototype weapon may take place in the next financial year, which starts on April 1, the Japanese newspaper reported, citing sources. The missiles will be capable of carrying three types of warheads designed for conducting strikes, reconnaissance and creating jams in enemy's air defense systems. The missiles will be launched from high mobility vehicles, the media outlet added.
The new cruise missiles, some parts of which are in development since 2018, are planned to be used in case of emergency, in particular, for eliminating enemy ships attacking the Japanese islands, the newspaper reported.
American Soldiers demonstrate the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon to a Japanese soldier of the 39th Infantry Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during Exercise Orient Shield - Sputnik International, 1920, 12.01.2023
Analysis
US-Japan Military Buildup in Asia-Pacific Shatters Regional Stability, Scholars Warn
In mid-December, Japan adopted three key documents on defense and security, namely National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Plan. All the documents provide for an increase of defense budget up to 2% of Japan's GDP by 2027, which is around 11 trillion yen ($81 billion). For comparison, the country's defense spending in 2022 amounted to 5.4 trillion yen, which is 1.24% of its GDP.
The documents also include the possession of retaliatory strike capabilities, implying ability to target enemy bases. Until recently, this capabilities were implied in Japan's right to self-defense, but they were not officially recorded. This innovation marks a new course in Japan's defense policy.
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