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Japan to develop new long-range missiles [The Yomiuri Shimbun, Tokyo / Asia News Network]
Dec. 9 The government plans to develop a long-range cruise missile that can strike beyond the range of enemy weapons, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. The move is part of a new missile defense policy to be drawn up by the end of this year, under which the government will improve the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile so that it can be launched from naval vessels and aircraft, and strike ground targets. The Cabinet will approve the plan as early as next week. The Type 12 has a range of more than 100 kilometers. The new missile is expected to have a range of several hundred kilometers, according to sources. The aim is to provide a certain level of stealth capabilities. It is thought that the missile could be used to attack enemy bases in the future. The Defense Ministry will earmark ¥33.5 billion in the next fiscal year’s budget for related expenses. The ministry aims to complete the development