This report discusses the potential benefits and challenges of Japan acquiring strike capabilities for the U.S. military and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The report notes that Japan's decision to cancel a strategic missile defense system in 2020 sparked debate about whether the country should augment its defenses by acquiring strike capabilities. The report also highlights the need for Japan and the U.S. to work together to overcome numerous constitutional, legal, budgetary, technical, and bureaucratic obstacles before deploying strike systems. The report suggests that the U.S. should urge Japan to develop long-range strike capabilities and incorporate them into the overall alliance structure with combined operational planning. Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of robust U.S. forces in the region and strong alliance partners in responding to Asian security threats.
