Japan DM maintains Aegis Ashore missile interceptors for defense only, doubts remain

TOKYO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Tuesday that a new land-based missile defense system that the government here plans to introduce is "purely" for defensive purposes.

Japan's increased defense spending, specifically the introduction of the Lockheed Martin Corp.-developed system into Japan, along with the U.S. military's pivot to Asia, has raised concern over regional peace and stability.

Onodera made the remarks at a press briefing while responding to concerns raised by Russia a day earlier suggesting, along with other concerned countries, that the U.S. developed system could be easily retrofitted to become an offensive weapon.