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Japan rethinks its military
Published October 12, 2006 subscriber link In 1947, the United States imposed a constitution on a vanquished Japan in which the Asian nation "forever" renounced war and the use of force to settle international disputes. But forever may be over sooner than expected. Japan's new prime minister, Shinzo Abe, wants to rewrite the constitution to allow for a more assertive military. On Monday, North Korea's nuclear bomb test helped him to make his case. The ruthless expansionist dictatorship that attacked Pearl Harbor is now a peaceful democracy and one of America's closest allies. More than 50,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Japan, making it an obvious target for North Korea. Momentum has been building for a stronger military since 1998, when Pyongyang launched a long-range missile over Japan's main island, Honshu. Japan's defense policy doesn't allow it to use armed force except in response to an act of aggression against Japan, and then only what is minimally necessary to repel an attack. But North Korea's march toward the brink has forced Japan to reconsider exactly what constitutes self-defense. Since July, when North Korea test-fired seven more missiles into the Sea of Japan, Japan's leaders have debated whether the constitution would permit a pre-emptive strike. Abe believes it would. What it clearly doesn't allow is the deployment of combat troops overseas; it also prohibits Japan from helping to defend an ally, such as the United States, that is attacked by a third party. Japan would like to play a greater role in international security, but it has been limited to "checkbook diplomacy"--contributing $13 billion toward the cost of the 1991 Persian Gulf war, refueling U.S. warships in the Indian Ocean during military operations in Afghanistan and sending 600 non-combat troops to Iraq. Talk of a remilitarized Japan has made its neighbors nervous. The country still has strained relations with China and South Korea over Japan's past aggressions and its failure at times to own up to them. Abe has been at work repairing those rifts. He visited Beijing over the weekend and landed in Seoul on Monday, just as North Korea was rocking the world. The three countries have found some common ground in response to the North Korea crisis. Abe was quick to offer assurances that Japan would not change its nuclear policy in response to the North Korean test. Japan is the only country on Earth to know the horrors of nuclear attack, and public opposition to such weapons runs deep. But it's getting harder and harder to be the only pacifist in the neighborhood. Even before North Korea added its name to the list of nuclear powers, China had missiles trained at Taiwan. Japan needs the freedom to go beyond even a loose interpretation of its constitution. It needs to be able to protect itself in ways that aren't simply reactive. And the U.S.--the country responsible for Japan's 60-year status as a pacifist nation--needs a formidable military partner in a part of the globe that grows more dangerous. |
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Basic Training |
Nice post. I sorta agree to that. I believe they should be given the rights to a military with exceptions of course.
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Same here...especially in light of recent actions taken by those gremlins in NK.
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Japan to Purchase 16 Additional PAC-3 Patriot Missiles
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued Sept. 29, 2006) WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $144 million. The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of 16 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) (4 pack canisters containing four missiles each) guided missiles, support equipment, modification kits, publications, spare and repair parts, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $144 million. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the region. This proposed sale is consistent with these U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. Japan needs these defense articles in order to defend its borders, and to remain militarily viable in the region. Japan also needs additional Patriot PAC-3 missiles to provide advanced air defense capability versus conventional threats and limited area defense against Theater Ballistic Missiles (TBM). Japan has already fielded the Patriot Air Defense System and is upgrading its ground support equipment to Configuration 3 to support the PAC-3 missiles. The proposed sale will provide Japan with an effective, state-of-the-art, anti-tactical missile capability and will greatly improve the defense posture of Japan. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these PAC-3 missiles into its inventory. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Dallas, Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will potentially require the assignment of up to two U.S. Government representatives and up to eight contractor representatives in Japan for two weeks following delivery of the missiles. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded. -ends- |
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Basic Training |
Very informative post and no slurs about how terrible a group of individuals are. I like it. I believe that people will ignore the terrible side effects of nuclear bombs until they or someone they know is a direct victim of one of the bombs. I think that Japan speaking out against nuclear bombs would be a much better alternative then creating a military. If they push back at a nuclear enemy, it would only take a few modern day massive destruction bombs to wipe out the majority of their country.
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Japan Can Hold Nuclear Arms for Self-Defence: Govt
(Source: ddi Indian Government news; issued Nov. 14, 2006) Japan has said that its constitution allows it to possess nuclear weapons as long as they are kept to a minimum level necessary for self-defence. However, the country has no intention of holding such arms, the government said in a statement. The statement, written in response to a question from an independent lawmaker, comes amid controversy over whether the country should debate holding nuclear arms -- an emotive issue in the only nation to have suffered nuclear attacks. ''From a purely legal standpoint, even Article Nine of the constitution does not bar our country from possessing minimum capabilities necessary for self-defence,'' the statement said, repeating a position the government has made clear in past parliamentary debate. ''Even with nuclear weapons, we've understood that possessing them would not necessarily violate the constitution as long as it is kept within such limits,'' it said. But the statement said Japan would stick to its self-imposed ''three non-nuclear principles'' banning the possession, production and import of nuclear arms and that the government had no plans to debate a change in that stance. It also said that Japan's basic law on atomic energy limits research, development and use of such power to peaceful purposes, while the country is bound under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty not to receive or manufacture nuclear weapons. Controversy over debate on nuclear arms erupted last month when Shoichi Nakagawa, the policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said Japan should discuss if it should acquire nuclear weapons after North Korea conducted a nuclear test. The foreign minister has also said debate should not be ruled out, prompting opposition lawmakers to call for his resignation. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said repeatedly that Japan would maintain its decades-old ban on nuclear weapons, denying that the government would even discuss the topic. Article Nine of Japan's US-drafted 1947 constitution renounces the right to go to war and prohibits the maintenance of a military, although it has been interpreted as allowing armed forces for purely defence purposes. Analysts say Japan is capable of producing nuclear weapons with its high technology and a stockpile of plutonium from its nuclear power plants, but they add that it is highly unlikely to do so, given opposition both at home and abroad. -ends- |
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Boeing to Upgrade Japan's E-767 AWACS Fleet
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Nov. 15, 2006) ST. LOUIS --- Boeing has been awarded a $108 million contract to deliver Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) kits to Japan's fleet of four E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The Foreign Military Sale was contracted through the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The sale also includes spare and repair parts, support equipment and technical documentation. Installation of the kits will occur during a follow-on contract. "RSIP increases the AWACS aircraft's radar sensitivity, allowing it to detect and track smaller targets. It also improves the radar's existing computer with a new high-reliability multi-processor and rewrites the software to facilitate future maintenance and enhancements," said Anthony Williams, Boeing Japan AWACS program manager. The RSIP kit, built principally by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Baltimore, Md., under a subcontract to Boeing, consists of a new radar computer, a radar control maintenance panel as well as software upgrades to the radar and mission system programs. RSIP kits have been installed on the U.S., United Kingdom, NATO and French AWACS fleets. Boeing delivered the four E-767 AWACS to Japan between 1998 and 1999. They have been in service since 2000. AWACS fills the needs for both airborne surveillance and command control functions for tactical and air defense forces. Substantial growth capacity inherent in the E-767 AWACS ensures that system can be readily adapted to meet future missions and requirements.  Boeing has won a $108 million contract to upgrade the radars of Japan’s E-767 AWACS aircraft (Boeing photo) |
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Schools told to teach patriotism
Items compiled from Tribune news services Published December 16, 2006 source link TOKYO, JAPAN -- Japan's conservative government chipped away at the country's postwar pacifism on Friday, requiring schools to teach patriotism and upgrading the Defense Agency to a full ministry for the first time since World War II. The measures, enacted by parliament's upper house, are key elements of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to bolster Japan's international military role, build up national pride and distance the country from its post-1945 war guilt. The votes were important victories for Abe's government, which has suffered sharp drops in popularity polls since taking office in September. The upgrading of the Defense Agency to a full ministry, effective in early 2007, was propelled by deep concern over North Korean missile and nuclear weapons development. The education measure, the first change to Japan's main education law since 1947, calls on schools "to cultivate an attitude that respects tradition and culture that loves the nation." |
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Japan upgrades military agency
Associated Press Published January 9, 2007 source link TOKYO -- Japan upgraded the Defense Agency to a full ministry Tuesday for the first time since World War II as part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to raise the military's profile. The upgrading of the agency passed parliament last month without significant opposition. At a ceremony Tuesday, Defense Agency chief Fumio Kyuma was named defense minister and then took over a new ministry with greater budgetary powers and prestige. The enhancement is a reversal for a military establishment that had kept a low profile since Japan's wartime defeat. |
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Japan Launches Study On Collective Defence
Agence France-Presse | Apr 26, 2007 source link Tokyo (AFP): Japan launched a study Wednesday on how it could fight for allies without breaching its pacifist constitution, a controversial move that could boost the country's global role and alliance with the United States. The move came the day before Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a conservative who has vowed to create a more assertive Japan, makes his first visit to the United States since taking office. "It is necessary to reconstruct the legal foundations to make security effective and match the situation of the times," Abe said, calling for the panel to consider the issue of so-called "collective defence." His government appointed an advisory panel of former officials and academics led by ex-ambassador to Washington Shunji Yanai. The panel would hold its first meeting on May 18 and aim to draw up a report to Abe before the end of the year, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki aid. One theoretical case the panel will reportedly consider is whether Japan has the right to destroy a ballistic missile fired by North Korea at the United States. The constitution, imposed by US occupiers after World War II, says Japan forever renounces the use of force to resolve international disputes. Successive governments have interpreted the 1947 constitution as allowing the right only to self-defence in the strictest sense. Abe, Japan's first leader born after World War II, has vowed to rewrite the constitution. "I hope that discussions will be actively held with the people on the way the constitution, which presents the shape and form of the nation, should be as we strive to build a new nation," Abe said. |
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Basic Training |
Every country deserves to have some kind of military force. Since Japan is one of our closest allies and we have 50,000 troops there we should let them have a greater military now. Since a lot of the U.S. troops are there and we are close then we can always keep a watchfull eye on them in case they do something that is out of the norm or not needed. I think Japan is just as close to us as Britain is and we should let them have just as much freedom.
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Woooooh, I wouldn't go that far! I would rate them somewhere on the level of Australia, Canada and South Korea...but the UK is far and away our closest ally and no one else comes close. |
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S. Korean Navy Official Says Japan's Missile Defense May Destabilize Asia
(Source: Korea Overseas Information Service; issued May 10, 2007) A South Korean Navy official on Wednesday (May 9) urged Japan's close cooperation with the region as it builds up its missile defense system. A lack of such cooperation, Capt. Chung Sam-man said, "may be destabilizing." "What are the common threats, common interests? We need to share (these) with each other," he said at a missile defense seminar hosted by the Heritage Foundation. Chung, currently naval attache at the South Korean embassy, said his remarks reflect his personal views. "If we establish some cooperative, common system, we can go together," he said, "but otherwise, without any transparency... I think it's kind of destabilizing." Japan expedited its missile defense initiative in the wake of North Korea's multiple test launches in July that included a long-range version which, in theory, can strike as far as the U.S. west coast. Tokyo deployed its first set of PAC (Patriot Advanced Capability)-3 interceptors in March and plans to introduce more in the coming years. Chung called for attention to details in establishing the missile defense system in Asia, raising concerns about potential military competition. "The mere effort of one side to develop (missile) defense can stimulate competitive countermeasures as the other side takes steps to upset a potential advantage," he said. Things may appear to be simple on the surface, he said, "but difficulties and problems and obstacles will arise when we look into the details of the plan with respect to positions other countries hold." James Carafano, assistant director at Heritage, argued that U.S.-led missile defense brings stability at times of crisis. The effect seen at a nuclear war game conducted in August in Tokyo was "absolutely dramatic," he said. He pointed out the dangers of states like North Korea going nuclear, comparing the situation to "boys with toys." New nuclear states would not know what the limits are, he said. "People don't understand how the rules are played," Carafano said. "It can be very, very dangerous." Countries like the North would also overestimate the value of nuclear weapons, believing they are silver bullets, he said. Such heavy reliance on atomic weapons would actually make the North less safe, he said. -ends- |
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More SM-2 Block IIIB Missiles for Japan
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; web-posted May 29, 2007) WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of SM-2 Block IIIB Tactical STANDARD Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $40 million. The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of 24 SM-2 Block IIIB Tactical STANDARD missiles with MK 13 MOD 0 canisters; 24 AN/DKT-71A telemeters and conversion kits; containers; spare and repair parts; supply support; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $40 million. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring the peace and stability of this region. The U.S. Government shares bases and facilities in Japan. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with these U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The SM-2 missiles will be used on ships of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force fleet and will provide enhanced capabilities in providing defense of critical sea-lanes of communication. Japan has already integrated the SM-2 Block IIIB into its ship combat systems. It maintains two Intermediate-Level Maintenance Depots capable of maintaining and supporting the SM-2. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles. The prime contractor is Raytheon Company in Tucson, Arizona and the MK 13 Mod 0 canister’s prime contractor is BAE Systems of Minneapolis, Minnesota. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Japan. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded. -ends- |
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Japan requests missile defense upgrade, interceptor missiles
source link WASHINGTON (AFP) - Japan has requested the possible missile defense upgrade to one of its sea-based Aegis air defense systems and nine SM-3 interceptor missiles, the Pentagon said Friday. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency estimated the value of the proposed sale at 475 million dollars. Deployed on Japanese ships, the upgraded Aegis system and SM-3 Block IA missiles will provide "the initial ballistic missile defense for mainland Japan," the agency said in a statement. "Although comparable weapons are not currently deployed in Northeast Asia, the proposed sale of SM-3 missiles and BMD upgrades to the Aegis Weapon System will not significantly alter the existing military balance in the region as the proposed sale enhances only defensive capabilities," it said. Congress has 30 days in which to block the sale if it is opposed. |
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US Plans Sale of SM-3 Block IA Standard Missiles to Japan
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued June 8, 2007) WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of SM-3 Block IA Standard missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $475 million. The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of nine SM-3 Block IA Standard missiles with MK 21 Mod 2 canisters, Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) upgrades to one AEGIS Weapon System, AEGIS BMD Vertical Launch System ORDALTs, containers, spare and repair parts, publications, documentation, supply support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $475 million. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring the peace and stability of this region. The U.S. Government shares bases and facilities in Japan. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with these U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. Japan’s agreement to provide fuel/logistics to U.S. and allied ships supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and its deployment of an AEGIS destroyer to the Indian Ocean have focused new obligations on the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF). The Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces (JMSDF) has four AEGIS destroyers operating with SM-2 missiles at sea; the fifth commissioned 15 March 2007, and a sixth is under construction. Although comparable weapons are not currently deployed in Northeast Asia, the proposed sale of SM-3 missiles and BMD upgrades to the AEGIS Weapon System will not significantly alter the existing military balance in the region as the proposed sale enhances only defensive capabilities. The JMSDF is fully capable of integrating the modified AEGIS Weapon System and SM-3 Block IA into its operational forces and will receive data sufficient to maintain and support the systems. The AEGIS Weapon System and Standard missiles will be used on JMSDF ships and will provide, in concert with JSDF PAC-3 Patriot missiles, the initial ballistic missile defense for mainland Japan. Japan already has the upgraded AEGIS Weapon System and SM-3 Block IA Standard missiles in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing the additional upgraded Weapon System and missiles. The principal contractors will be: - Lockheed-Martin Maritime System and Sensors Moorestown, New Jersey - Raytheon Company, Equipment Division Tucson, Arizona - BAE Minneapolis, Minnesota There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Japan. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded. -ends- |
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F-2 Makes Live Bomb Debut During Exercise
(Source: US Air Force; issued June 15, 2007) ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --- "Hands-on" took on real meaning for members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force as F-2 support fighter pilots dropped the first live weapons from the fighter here June 13 as part of Exercise Cope North. As there is no live range in Japan, the F-2 pilots used this opportunity to practice with live weapons at the Farralon de Medinilla range, 160 nautical miles northeast of Andersen. "This is the first deployment of the F-2, and also ... it will be the first delivery of weapons from the F-2, which is a big deal, it's only the third delivery of live weapons in the last sixty years," said Col. Michael MacWilliam, U.S. Director for Cope North. Cope North is focused on the security and defense of Japan through air operations. The pilots fly sorties in what are called "defensive Japan scenarios," which help prepare U.S. and JASDF pilots should they ever be called on to protect Japan. 228 JASDF personnel from Misawa Air Base and Fuchu Air Station, Japan, are taking part in the Cope North, which will run until June 22. Eight of these aircraft along with 150 personnel deployed from Misawa Air Base, Japan, to take part in the exercise. They are scheduled to complete 124 of the 346 anticipated sorties. The Mitsubishi F-2 is the result of a joint Japan and U.S. development program which began in 1987 as a way to replace the Mitsubishi F-1. -ends-  A Mitsubishi F-2 support fighter from the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s 3rd Squadron takes off from Guam. It made JASDF history on its first deployment outside of Japan by dropping live munitions for the first time. (U.S. Air Force photo) |
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Posted Sun 26 August 2007 04:28 PM Hide Post http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/a...s/20070825.aspx 
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