Basing Japan¡¯s missile defense systems at sea may cost at least twice as much to complete as its now-abandoned plans for Aegis Ashore ground-based sites and delay the rollout to 2028, a person with knowledge of the plans has said.
Fitted with powerful Lockheed Martin Corp. radars, Japan¡¯s Aegis Ashore systems were meant to intercept missile strikes from North Korea and elsewhere. In June, then-Defense Minister Taro Kono suspended plans for two land sites, which would have cost about $2 billion to construct, citing the possibility that booster rockets could fall on local residents.
Instead, he suggested installing the systems on sea platforms or ships.
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