FAQ about KonoTaro
Q.Why was the introduction of Aegis Ashore canceled?
A.There were strong requests from the residents around the Self-Defense Force facilities in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures to ensure that the first-stage rocket (booster) of the interceptor missile launched from the Aegis Ashore system would always fall within the facility grounds to avoid causing harm to the surrounding residents.
Successive defense ministers had repeatedly promised to fulfill this request. Initially, it was believed that this could be achieved through software development. However, it became clear that a long development period and high costs would be required. Prime Minister Abe also judged that this was not realistic, and therefore, the decision was made to cancel the introduction of Aegis Ashore.