Japan transports missile launcher for deployment
The Ground Self-Defense Force transported early on Monday a launcher and other equipment to its garrison in Kumamoto on the southwestern island of Kyushu to prepare for a long-range missile deployment there.
The first such deployment, expected to be completed within this month, comes as Japan seeks to acquire counterstrike capabilities to hit enemy targets, marking a turning point from the country’s exclusively defense-oriented policy under its war-renouncing Constitution.
The missile is an upgraded version of the Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile that can fly about 1,000 kilometers and reach parts of the continental coastline from Kyushu.
According to the government, Japan could fire such missiles if it determines that an enemy has begun an attack even before it suffers damage.
However, this raises concerns that a misjudgment could lead to a preemptive strike, which is prohibited under international law.
Residents in Kumamoto Prefecture have criticized and protested the deployment, saying the defense ministry has failed to provide a thorough explanation.
Critics have pointed out that deployment sites could become targets.
