Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The United States Government (USG) announced today that it would deploy Patriot PAC-3 missiles (interceptors against ballistic missiles) to Kadena Airbase and Kadena Munitions Storage Area. The relocation of the personnel and equipment will begin in August 2006 and the initial operational capability is expected to be achieved by the end of the year. The USG formally notified the Government of Japan (GOJ) of its decision in the morning of July 19.
The Patriot PAC-3 is a purely defensive system and will be placed to protect Japan including Okinawa from ballistic missile threats. The deployment of this defensive system will also help US Forces Japan maintain its deterrent more firmly, thereby contributing to the security of Japan including Okinawa. The GOJ welcomes the decision by the USG.
In addition to the deployment of US PAC-3 to Kadena, the two Governments have been making various efforts and maintaining close cooperation with a view to pushing forward with their missile defense programs in areas such as the following:
(1) The GOJ, based on its cabinet decision of December 2003 and the National Defense Program Guideline for FY 2005 and After, has been striving to build a multi-tier defense system consisting of Aegis BMD system and Patriot PAC-3. The Self Defense Forces' first PAC-3 is expected to be deployed by the end of FY 2006.
(2) The US transportable forward-based X-band radar (FBX-T) was installed in Shariki JASDF Base (Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture) on June 23.
(3) The BMD-capable Aegis cruiser, USS Shiloh, will be deployed in the Northeast Asia region in August, 2006.
(4) For the sake of the Japan-US joint development of Advanced Standard Missile 3, the Exchange of Notes concerning the Cooperation on Ballistic Missile Defense and the Exchange of Notes concerning the Transfer of Arms and Military Technologies were concluded by the two Governments on June 23.
In view of the development, deployment and proliferation of ballistic missiles in the region, and the clear and present threats such as the recent missile launches by North Korea in particular, the GOJ will continue to do its utmost to build up its BMD capabilities in close cooperation with the USG and with a sense of urgency.
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