Japan to consider strike capability to replace missile defence system

FILE PHOTO: A woman walks past a sign printed with the characters of the name of the new Japanese imperial era Reiwa next to a television screen showing North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un during a news report on North Korea firing several short-range projectiles from its east coast, in Tokyo, Japan May 4, 2019. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan is to consider the acquisition of weapons able to strike enemy missile launchers to bolster defence against North Korea after a decision to cancel the Aegis Ashore missile defence system, the defence minister said on Thursday.

Any first-strike capability would represent a fundamental shift in Japan's military posture that could raise the concern of neighbours. The United States, Japan's main ally, has also had reservations about it gaining an independent strike capability.