Japan eyes upgraded missiles and drones to repel invasion by 2027

Defense minister reveals 2-phase plan over 10 years, focused on extending range

2022101N Type 88 surface to ship missile

Japan's homegrown Type 12 surface-to-ship cruise missile is an upgrade from the Type 88 seen here. (Photo courtesy of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force)

RYO NEMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

October 22, 2022 03:35 JST

TOKYO -- Japan aims to bolster the country's defenses by 2027 and fundamentally improve its ability to fend off any invasion, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters on Friday.