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JDA To Streamline Radar Network Operations

Tokyo KYODO
0733 GMT 10 Sep 94

[Text] Tokyo, Sept. 10 KYODO -- The Japan Defense Agency [JDA] has launched a study on ways to unify radar network operations of three services ahead of Japan's possible introduction of the U.S.- initiated theater missile defense (TMD) concept, defense sources said Saturday [10 Sep]. Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces have hitherto operated their own radar networks independently, but they must be unified to boost Japan's defense capabilities, the sources said.

The TMD system would enable the shooting down of enemy missiles flying in at both high and low altitudes with interceptor missiles.

The Defense Agency plans to seek outlays for research on the advanced defense system in its budget for fiscal 1995, starting next April 1, the sources said.

They said the ongoing study will result in a sweeping reform of Japan's overall defense system, including a review of electronic equipment in operation and duties performed by the joint chiefs of staff.

In fiscal 1987, the agency launched a project to consolidate a digital communications network to keep its defense system abreast with swift advancements of electronic communications technologies.

But, the sources said, little attention has since been paid to exchange of information among the three services on radar equipment adopted by them.

The Air-Self Defense Force operates a badge system combining the operational command and a network of 28 radar sites across the nation.

The system, however, is connected only partially with a similar strategic network operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, the sources said.

The Ground Self-Defense Force operates its own detection system which only covers a small frontline area, they said. Since the test firing of a ballistic missile by North Korea earlier this year, Defense Agency officials have become convinced of the necessity to develop a comprehensive radar network to consolidate an effective missile intercepting system, the sources said.

Japan and the United States have agreed to conduct a joint study on whether the Defense Agency's existing communications system is effective in coping with a ballistic missile attack, they said.