JAPAN IS considering a co-operative deal with Israel on anti-ballistic-missiles technology after a visit to Tokyo by Israel’s Prime Mminister Yizhak Rabin on 12 December.
Rabin, was accompanied on the excursion, by several defence industry leaders. His visit was the first by an Israeli Prime Minister to Japan. Senior Japanese defence officials were among those met by Rabin.
Japan is said to be particularly interested in technologies developed by Israel as part of the Arrow anti-tactical ballistic-missile programme.
Tokyo is becoming increasingly concerned over North Korean efforts to develop long-range ballistic missiles and for years has been looking for technologies which may serve as the basis for an efficient anti-ballistic-missiles system.
Israeli sources say, that the Prime Minister’s visit has only “…opened a small door” to the Japanese defence establishment, but they express optimism about future contacts and co-operation.
Source: Flight International
