The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Research Commission on Security (chaired by Hiroshi Imazu) finalized on June 20 its interim report on recommendations for the next Mid-term Defense Program (for FY19-23).

In light of the heightening threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear arms and ballistic missiles, the commission calls on the government to consider possessing “enemy base attack capability” to enable attacks on enemy bases before Japan is actually attacked and to introduce new equipment to enhance missile defense.

The government will begin deliberations shortly on the Mid-term Defense Program that will set targets for the procurement of major defense equipment in the next five years. The LDP also recommended the possession of enemy base attack capability last March. This interim report urges the government to start discussions promptly. (Abridged)