Japan plans to create more missile depots as part of its new security strategy – Asia News

Japan plans to build more ammunition depots at Self-Defense Forces facilities starting in fiscal 2024 to store long-range missiles as it prepares to acquire the capability to strike enemy bases, sources close to the matter said on Monday.

The plan is part of Japan’s efforts to increase 130 such depots by fiscal 2032 from about 1,400 currently, following its decision in December to acquire strike capability to deter attacks, in a major shift in military policy. security of the pacifist country amid growing regional military threats.

The depots planned at nine Ground Self-Defense Forces facilities in Hokkaido, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures are in addition to four depots already under construction since the beginning of this fiscal year at Self-Defense Forces facilities in Aomori and Oita prefectures.

The Defense Ministry has requested 12.4 billion yen ($84 million) to build the depots in the fiscal 2024 state budget, which will be drawn up in December. The new fiscal year begins in April.

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With the funds, studies would begin to build depots at six facilities in Hokkaido, two depots would be designed to be built at a base in Miyazaki and five at a training camp in Okinawa, and land would be acquired to build three depots at one base. from Kagoshima.

The Defense Ministry has requested 12.4 billion yen ($84 million) to build the depots in the fiscal 2024 state budget, which will be drawn up in December. New fiscal year starts in April

Although the depots could become targets in the event of a crisis situation, the Defense Ministry is expected not to reveal the types and volume of ammunition the depots would store, sources said, which could raise security concerns among residents. local.

Japan plans to deploy the long-range enemy-strike-capable missiles starting in fiscal 2026, but has not yet decided where they will be located.