TOKYO - Japan wants to acquire a "counterstrike capability." This proposal is currently under review by the Japanese government.
Political parties are advocating revisions to Japan’s pacifist constitution. Presently, these parties hold more than two-thirds of the seats in Japan’s diet. The Liberal Democrats see a "counterstrike capability" as constitutional if in response to evidence of an imminent enemy attack.
Japan wants to deploy more than 1,000 long-range cruise missiles. An extended range version of the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile could meet part of this need. In addition, Japan could purchase the U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile.