Tokyo Considering Advanced US Air Defense Systems to Counter N.Korea

The Japanese Defense Ministry could deploy advanced US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems during the next five-year defense buildup program starting in 2019.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Japanese Defense Ministry has begun a full-fledged study on introduction of the advanced US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems to counter possible threat represented by the North Korean ballistic missiles, local media reported on Thursday, citing informed sources.

According to The Japan Times, if the study confirms compatibility of the THAAD system and ground-based SM-3 interceptors currently operated by Japan, the systems could be deployed during the next five-year defense buildup program starting in 2019.

The THAAD is a missile defense system capable of shooting down short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. In July, North Korea said it might boost nuclear deterrent should the United States deploy a mobile missile defense systems in South Korea.

North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2005 and conducted nuclear tests in 2006, 2009 and 2013, having earlier withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that it ratified in 1985.

Pyongyang has long boasted of missile launches. In October, North Korea has displayed modified intercontinental ballistic missiles during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.