Japan Upgrades Defense Toward 2020 Olympics

Japan Upgrades Defense Toward 2020 Olympics

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Japan is upgrading its Patriot PAC-3 missile defense system in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, adding range and accuracy needed to intercept more advanced North Korean ballistic missiles, sources with knowledge of the plan said.

According to sources quoted in the locla press, the move represents the most significant upgrade to Japan’s missile defense system in a decade and is part of an increase in military spending in the region, where geopolitical tensions are rising. The upgraded PAC-3 is said to be necessary to counter the North Korean Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile.

The rollout of the new advanced Missile Segment Enhancement, which could double the range of the current PAC-3 missiles to around 30 km (19 miles), will likely start next year. A spokesman for Japan’s Defence Ministry said “nothing has been decided” on the PAC-3 upgrade. However, the International Olympic Committee’s decision to grant Tokyo the 2020 games will help unlock funding for the PAC-3 upgrade despite military budget constraints, the sources told Reuters.

The Patriot upgrade, to be conducted by MHI, would likely be an enhancement to Japan’s ballistic missile defense. Those guarding the Tokyo area will take priority and some used for training will not be upgraded.