Media reports US Typhon missile system to be redeployed in Japan

Tokyo (ANTARA) - The U.S. military will redeploy mid-range missile launcher Typhon and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to southwestern Japan next month to be used in joint drills with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF), local media reported. The redeployment of Typhon missiles follows previous deployments that drew strong objections from local communities. The system will be stationed at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture for joint drills titled Valiant Shield and Orient Shield, conducted between June and September, Kyodo News reported on Wednesday, 20 May, citing sources familiar with the matter. After the joint drills are completed, the Typhon system and HIMARS will be moved to a U.S. military base in Japan for storage, the report said. The Typhon system was first deployed in Japan in September last year in a large-scale joint drill in western Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture, which drew criticism from residents after the system remained there much longer than initially explained. A local civil group has filed a petition with the Japanese Ministry of Defence demanding the immediate withdrawal of the system. The group also expressed concerns that deployments in the name of such joint drills could become routine. The equipment was withdrawn in November last year.