TOKYO: Japan will build two destroyers that can intercept ballistic missiles as a substitute for an Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system whose introduction has been abandoned, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Wednesday.

The construction plan for the Aegis system-equipped destroyers is expected to be adopted at a cabinet meeting Dec. 18.

At a joint meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s National Defense Division and Research Commission on National Security, Kishi said the government needs to conduct further research because the plan gives only minimum details.

Discussions on details of the equipment and operations of the two destroyers will extend into next year.

The planned two destroyers are expected to be equipped with the Standard Missile-6 interceptor capable of shooting down cruise missiles, reflecting the recent diversification of aerial threats. The government did not plan to equip the Aegis Ashore system with SM-6 missiles.

The Aegis Ashore system was to be operated by the Ground Self-Defense Force, while the Maritime SDF will operate the new vessels.

The Defense Ministry will consider ways to reduce the number of personnel on the destroyers and improve working and living conditions aboard, as it is becoming difficult to secure crew to engage in long-term maritime missions.

Kishi also said the government will book in a draft budget for fiscal 2021 costs to develop a standoff missile that can be launched from beyond areas threatened by enemies.

For the development, the government will revise its development plan for the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile after finding it possible to extend its range.

Some participants to the LDP meeting said that the planned destroyers should be equipped with the missile.

JIJI Press