Agence France-Presse,
Tokyo: Japanese police and naval officials raided a training centre for seamen Saturday in connection with the leaking of secret information on the US-developed high-tech Aegis combat system. Investigators searched the facility in Hiroshima prefecture, where sailors are put through specialised training in gunnery and torpedo operations.
Earlier this year it emerged that authorities had questioned a 33-year-old petty officer for allegedly obtaining the confidential data on the Aegis system without authorisation.
The case has unfolded since the officer's Chinese wife was arrested in late January for a visa violation.
Investigators now suspect the Hiroshima training facility distributed the data as educational material, local media said.
The Aegis system has cutting-edge radar and can launch missiles at more than 10 targets at one time. The Japanese navy has five Aegis-equipped vessels.
The Maritime Self Defense Force said it was cooperating with the investigation.
“We are in no position to comment on the matter, with the investigation ongoing. We will continue to cooperate with the investigation and analyse the cause of the incident and ensure similar incidents will be prevented,” said a navy spokesman, reading from a prepared statement.
Police have already confiscated computer equipment from the seaman's home containing data on the Aegis system and Aegis-equipped destroyers, local media said.
The petty officer could have violated a domestic law that protects information involving US forces stationed here, news reports said.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
