Japan to Acquire US Long Range Air to Surface Missile

(Source Channel A News Top Ten 12.18) Japan proceeds with introduction of offensive weapon system. Jiji.com reports Japan defense summary- plan to introduce Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile, (JASSM) proceeding. Assessed as an offensive capability to strike enemy installations.


On Dec. 6, the Nikkei Asian Review reported that Japan was considering the Konigberg JSM as its new longer ranged ASM:

On the other hand, the U.S. would likely welcome Japan introducing either of the air-to-surface missiles it is considering, according to a source familiar with the matter. President Donald Trump spoke of Japan purchasing "massive amounts of military equipment" in a November news conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Both missile models involve U.S. companies. The JASSM is made by Lockheed, and Kongsberg's JSM was developed in cooperation with Raytheon.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/North-Korea-crisis-2/Japan-eyes-air-to-surface-missiles-that-would-put-North-Korea-in-range2

Today's Channel A News Top Ten program reported that Japan will be purchasing the JASSM extended range missile for it's air to ground AGM weapon of choice. The precision targeting weapon system is said to have a 1000 km range. Although it is contended to be a defensive weapon, it clearly has offensive capabilities. The Korean analysts at Top Ten were concerned that Japan, along with its growing fleet of aircraft carriers, is abandoning the "self defense force" characterization by becoming engaged in an offensive arms buildup.

(Source Channel A News Top Ten 12.18) Why did South Korea introduce Taurus AGM instead of JASSM? Taurus AGM on right only has a range of 500 km. JASSM with 1000 km range has a superior stealth capability.

Traditionally, the US Armed Forces provided offensive strike capabilities to supplement Japan's Self Defense Force. It appears that the North Korean ballistic missile threat to Japan was a primary consideration for acquisition of the JASSM long range standoff capability. For Japan to assume a new offensive attack capability with the AGM system is viewed as a deterrent to further North Korean missile launches in Japan's direction. Nevertheless, it also presents a new path to armed conflict in escalation scenarios prompted by any potential North Korea missile tests flying near or over Japan. The acquisition is viewed as new escalation of the arms race in northeast Asia. US made weapons acquisitions are also viewed as a way to offset trade imbalances with the US while enhancing Japanese military strength.

(Source Channel A News Top Ten 12.18) With its 1000 km extended range JASSM can reach the Korean peninsula and target most of North Korea even if launched from Japanese territory. If launched over the East Sea/Sea of Japan it can reach targets in China and Russia.

(Source Channel A News Top Ten 12.18) Taurus AGM was selected because its tactical range enabled it to reach most targets in North Korea from South Korean airspace along with its compatibility with South Korean tactical combat aircraft.