Reuters: Japan to join Trump's Golden Dome

According to government sources, Japan is preparing to join the US missile defence initiative Golden Dome, promoted by President Donald Trump. The announcement is expected during a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Trump in Washington on March 19.

The project envisages expanding existing missile defence systems with new technologies, including experimental space-based elements that could track and potentially intercept threats from orbit.

According to Japanese media, Tokyo could use the system primarily to defend against hypersonic weapons being developed by Russia and China. At the same time, Washington is expected to ask Japan to become more involved in missile production.

The reason is the depletion of part of the US ammunition stockpile as a result of support for Ukraine and the current war between the US and Israel against Iran.

Japan already took a historic step last year when it exported Patriot missiles manufactured under licence to the United States. However, Tokyo is also considering how to balance potential US demands with the need to strengthen its own reserves at a time of growing tension in Asia.

(reuters, pir)