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12/08/2004:

"'Peace constitution?' Japan plans precision missile program"

Japan is continuing to put distance between its new defense policy and its post-World War II "peace constitution."

Planners are seeking to develop long-range precision-guided missile technology capable of attacking enemy ballistic missile bases, according to a draft outline of the mid-term defense buildup plan for fiscal years 2005-2009.

The proposal signals a possible shift in Japan's defense-oriented policy since long-range missiles could be used to attack overseas targets, including ballistic missile sites.

The draft outline, presented on Dec. 3 by the government at a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party's National Defense Division, calls for development of device to be installed on aircraft to jam enemy radar and fire a missile having a range of several hundred kilometers to attack enemy bases.

The device, coupled with the introduction of airborne refueling aircraft and precision-guided bombs, would make it theoretically possible for the Self-Defense Forces to attack "enemy bases" overseas.
Full Article: worldtribune.com