Electronic Weapons: Japan Buys Long Eyes

Archives

September 29, 2012:  The U.S. has agreed to sell Japan a long range anti-missile radar, which will be placed in southern Japan to watch for North Korean ballistic missile attacks. This AN/TPY-2 radar is an X-Band phased array system similar to those used in the SBX (Sea Based X Band radar). The AN/TPY-2 is used with the THAAD anti-missile system as well.

Japan has three Aegis equipped destroyers that can fire anti-missile missiles. Last year the United States towed its SBX to Japan in anticipation of a North Korean long-range ballistic missile launch . SBX is a large long range radar built on a floating platform that can be towed to wherever it is needed. The X-Band radar can see over the horizon and gives anti-missile systems that maximum warning time that a target is on the way.

The North Korean rocket failed shortly after launch, falling into the sea off the coast of South Korea. The North Korean rocket failed before the Japanese had a chance to fire any of their anti-missile missiles. The North Koreans are preparing another long range ballistic missile for launch and the Japanese are ready to shoot it down as well. The Japanese are also concerned with a possible missile threat from China because of disputes over who owns some uninhabited islands.

 

 


Article Archive

Electronic Weapons: Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 


X

ad
0
20

Help Keep Us Soaring

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month.

Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage. A contribution is not a donation that you can deduct at tax time, but a form of crowdfunding. We store none of your information when you contribute..
Subscribe   Contribute   Close