TOKYO -- Japan is readying its Ground Self-Defense Force for the planned deployment of a new U.S. missile defense system, despite logistical speed bumps and criticism from opposition parties.
The Aegis Ashore is a ground-based system capable of striking down incoming missiles outside the atmosphere. Combining it with the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptors currently under development, the SDF would be able to defend all of Japan with just two installations.
