Japan inks deal to buy 400 long-range missiles from US
The Hindu
Japan signed a deal with the United States to buy 400 long-range Tomahawk missiles as it ramps up its military capacity to counter regional security threats.
Japan signed a deal with its ally the United States on Thursday to buy 400 long-range Tomahawk missiles as it ramps up its military capacity to counter regional security threats.
Faced with growing Chinese military clout and a nuclear-armed North Korea, the Japanese government plans to double its defence spending to the NATO standard of 2% of GDP by 2027.
A sale of up to $2.35 billion for two types of Tomahawks, which have a 1,600-kilometre range, was approved by Washington in November.
"The conclusion of this signing starts the procurement of the Tomahawk missiles," a defence official told reporters on Thursday after the deal was signed in Tokyo.
"Through sound implementation of the (defence) budget, we will extensively strengthen our defence capacity," he added.
Japan has approved a record defence budget worth $56 billion for the next fiscal year from April.
Japan has a pacifist post-war constitution, which limits its military to ostensibly defensive measures.
Human Rights Watch report details Saudi Crown Prince using wealth fund for rights abuses, including Khashoggi murder.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan granted bail in graft case, but remains in prison with multiple charges pending.
Australia’s communications minister introduced a world-first law into Parliament to ban children younger than 16 from social media.
Florida man arrested for plotting to bomb New York Stock Exchange to "reboot" U.S. government, detained for trial.
Apple asked a federal judge to dismiss the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust case against the iPhone maker.
The Sri Lankan parliamentary elections have, more or less, cleansed the 225-member Parliament, purging the country’s arrogant old guard
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
U.N. Security Council votes 14-1 for ceasefire resolution, U.S. veto prevents adoption due to hostage release demand.
Bangladesh interim government cancels passports of 22 security officials under investigation for abductions during previous presidency.
U.S. policy shift allowing Kyiv to use ATACMS missiles sparks furious response from Moscow, risking major war.