190809-N-AW818-889 NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY DEVESELU, Romania (Aug. 9, 2019) Dark clouds gather before a summer rain storm over the U.S. Navy base in Romania, home to NATO’s Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense System (AABMDS) site, after completing a long-planned systems update, Aug. 9, 2019. During the maintenance period, the U.S. fulfilled its commitment to NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defense(BMD) by the temporary deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to the Naval Support Facility in Deveselu, Romania. The deployment of the U.S. Army’s THAAD battery to Romania lasted about six weeks while Aegis Ashore software and other equipment was updated. In April, the task force deployed to NSFD where they integrated into the existing NATO BMD architecture during a period of routine maintenance and upgrade of the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System located there. The THAAD system re-deployed back to the U.S. and NATO’s Aegis Ashore has resumed full functionality and remains focused on potential threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Amy Forsythe/Released)

On June 15, Japanese Minister of Defense Taro Kono announced that Japan would suspend plans to deploy the Aegis Ashore missile defense system due to “cost and schedule” concerns, triggering a government-wide review of Japan’s missile defense program.

The plan, which would deploy Aegis Ashore systems in Yamaguchi and Akita prefectures, has faced multiple schedule delays. The Yamaguchi deployment plans were previously delayed over concerns that Aegis interceptors could drop their booster rockets outside of the training range; according to Kono, software modifications were inadequate for eliminating this possibility. Plans to emplace Aegis Ashore in the city of Akita also faced local opposition. Following the suspension, the government of Japan announced its intent to continue deploying its sea-based Aegis missile defense systems while reviewing future requirements.

Related Links:

Defense Minister Kono Announces Suspension of Aegis Ashore Deployment Plans, NHK
Aegis Ashore Plans Suspended Due to Cost Considerations: Defense Minister Kono, Asahi Shimbun