Japanese defense ministry mulls introducing ground-based SM-3 interceptor missiles

The Defense Ministry is considering introducing a new ground-based type of interceptor missile that the United States is developing, in an effort to bolster Japan's ballistic missile defense system, ministry sources said.

The ministry intends to introduce new ground-based SM-3 missiles, in addition to the sea-based SM-3s that the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) already possesses, to enhance Tokyo's readiness to intercept ballistic missiles heading toward Japan.

The ministry is expected to allocate tens of millions of yen from the fiscal 2015 state budget for research on the missile.

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