U.S. could use Japan's missile defense system to attack: Lavrov

There are not enough missiles to be a threat to the Russian Federation. Japan has the right to defend itself.

Lav baby, perhaps Russia along with China should NOT have been helping NKorea so much then eh!!! 

Just saying

Lavrov said that Russia has many questions regarding the U.S. missile defense system and urged Tokyo to provide "more convincing" data through dialogue with Japan's National Security Council.

Maybe Japan should ask for “more convincing” data about Russia’s ICBMs?

You know, when they tried to claim that the long range radar of the missile defense systems could be used to spy on them, they almost sounded believable, but this is just stupid.

The US is not deploying a weapon system in Japan, they're selling it to them. And I can give Mr. Lavrov plenty of examples of US weapons systems being exported and being completely out of US control. Heck, Iran is still using American F14 fighters, that we sold to the Shah in the '70s and they're our enemy. Does he really think if we had control over these weapons systems, that those things would still be flying?

Russia knows exactly what the capabilities of the Aegis defense system. (if they don't, then they have no business in the intelligence gathering business) and they know that they are full of crap.

They're just getting upset at more allied nations being able to defend themselves.

Dial 0120-WAAH.

SM-3s are Surface to Air ballistic missile interceptors. They do not have explosive warheads. The only thing it can do at most is to hit an airplane.

Not what any one calls as an offensive weapon for attack.

Russia has done nothing

@Civitas Sine Suffragio

One problem to your scenario, Russian ICBMs targeting the US doesn't fly over Japan and the SM-3s doesn't have the range to intercept them regardless the flight path.

Basically the SM-3s are there to protect only Japan.

"In seeking Russia's understanding, the Japanese government has said the Aegis Ashore missile system, which would increase its ability to intercept missiles launched at Japanese territory from North Korea, will be operated by Tokyo and not pose a threat to Japan-Russia relations."

Ah, Japan... always thinking it can treat other nations like it does its own people when it comes to duping.

Japan: "It would be regrettable if you don't understand. Please understand and cooperate! Sure, the US could use them against you, but we just want them to... ummm... defend against your ally! Oh, yes... sure we could use them to attack your allies, too, and you... but please understand! Yes, yes... we are seeking to change to pacifist Constitution into one that will allow us to attack you and your allies, but please understand! We'll give you money? Oh... and please give us all the islands back. Thank you!"

Russia is a joke nation and does not need to be taken seriously LOL from a country that has a larger Nuclear arsenal than the US ( approx 7000 warheads )and a formidable military to boot. All those US sanctions against Russia have done nothing to change this fact, SO yes Russia should be taken seriously

"We do not know of a single example around the globe in which the United States has deployed its weapons only to place the controls in the hands of the host country.

Really? Russia are you really that stupid?

So when the United States DOD and Raytheon employees installed the Aegis fire control system, on JDS Atago and JDS Ashigara along with others vessels. Which by the way is being one of the few ship classes outside the United States to have that capability. Then trained the Japanese how to use these systems and handed the whole thing off to the Japanese Navy command doesn't count? Russia what a joke. Just jealous cause Japan will get served the best of best tech from the USA.

@PaulMartin

"NEVER underestimate America's resolve or capabilities history shows the results of those who did !"

I have been alive since 1951 and America has been fighting war after war since then - several at the same time as they are now.

Precisely which of these wars did they win?

The best result I know of was the tie in Korea and that doesn't seem to have worked out so well either....

@extanker Today  09:50 am JST

Russia knows exactly what the capabilities of the Aegis defense system. (if they don't, then they have no business in the intelligence gathering business) and they know that they are full of crap.

Their point, as I understand it, is that the Aegis defense system also means the Mark 41 VLS to hold the SM-3s. This means a ready made system to load such things as Tomahawk missiles.

Further, Japan is an American ally, and one in a particularly weak negotiating position simply because it actually faces real enemies. This makes it very vulnerable to American pressure.

@smith, Russia is talking current system that detect missile existence in up sky.

AEGIS ASHORE PAC3 is not Russia is talking.

Neither are thaad controlled by SK.

@kazuaki

Their point, as I understand it, is that the Aegis defense system also means the Mark 41 VLS to hold the SM-3s. This means a ready made system to load such things as Tomahawk missiles.

You are correct about the actual launcher, but the VLS is just one component of the Aegis, it's not exactly a 'ready-made' Tomahawk launcher. Meaning, you can't just replace an interceptor with a Tomahawk and hit the 'launch' button, but that's what Russia is implying. Not to mention, even if it were that simple, what kind of threat would the capability to launch a handful of cruise missiles be to Russia?

@smith

Also, why the need to change the Constitution if all of these things are only for defense?

The changes to the constitution have nothing to do with purchasing missile intercept systems, it is about changing the legal status and abilities of the Self Defense Force.

SM-3s are Surface to Air ballistic missile interceptors. They do not have explosive warheads. The only thing it can do at most is to hit an airplane.

Not what any one calls as an offensive weapon for attack.

You are either ignorantly missing the wood for the trees or being disingenuous: Such "defensive" systems can be used as part of an overall attack program by upsetting the M.A.D. balance. If the US can hit Russia with many more ICBMs and SLBMs than the Russians can throw back in return thanks to all their defensive anti-missile systems in Europe and Japan, then some idiots might start getting ideas about starting a "winnable nuclear war".

Japan does not have offensive system. It just used defense system to crush NK latest missile trying to go across sea.

toshiko: "Japan does not have offensive system."

The point is that it can be USED as an offensive system. Did you notice Japan only said, "They do not pose a threat to relations" and not that they do not pose a threat to Russia? Also, why the need to change the Constitution if all of these things are only for defense?

I doubt it

Constitution change. To ensure Japanese. people aproove weaon production and sales. to make more money and to. get rid of US military in Japan.

Moscow is as usual speculating hypothetically. Only the US knows what covert and overt action is in place everyone else will be surprised and caught off guard...NEVER underestimate America's resolve or capabilities history shows the results of those who did !

Russia is a joke nation and does not need to be taken seriously

It’s not rocket science, they are not to protect japan, but attack Russia and China. We have to pay...