北ミサイル報告 「敵基地攻撃」は冷静に議論せよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun(May. 16, 2009)
Calm debate over having strike capability needed
北ミサイル報告　「敵基地攻撃」は冷静に議論せよ（5月16日付・読売社説）

Study into possessing the capability to strike enemy bases could be significant if it is deemed that missile defense systems are an inadequate form of protection. However, it is important that this issue be discussed in a calm manner.
　ミサイル防衛（ＭＤ）に限界があるとすれば、敵基地攻撃能力の保有を研究することは、重要な意義を持つ。ただし、冷静に議論を進めることが肝要である。

The Defense Ministry on Friday released a report on North Korea's April missile launch. It said the launch helped Pyongyang extend the range of its Taepodong ballistic missiles, stating that the second and third stages--if North Korea's claim of a third stage is true--apparently flew 3,150 kilometers to 3,200 kilometers from a launch site in Musudan-ri in northeastern North Korea.
　防衛省が、４月の北朝鮮のミサイル発射に関する報告書を公表した。ミサイルの２段目以降の飛行距離は３１５０～３２００キロで、テポドンの「長射程化を進展させた」と分析している。

The report also pointed out that the test-firing of a long-range missile helps in extending the range of its shorter-range missiles, increasing its warhead capacities and enhancing the accuracy of its missiles.
　長射程のミサイル実験は、射程の短いミサイルの射程の延伸や、弾頭重量の増加、命中精度の向上に資する、とも指摘している。

Indeed, in terms of national security, we should not be as worried about the increased range of Taepodong missiles, which pass over Japan, as we should be about the enhanced ability of Rodong medium-range missiles, which could strike Japan.
　確かに、日本の安全保障にとって警戒すべきは、日本を飛び越えるテポドンの長射程化よりも、日本を射程に収めるノドンの性能向上である。

The government should steadily promote the deployment of two missile defense systems--one using interceptors launched from Aegis-equipped destroyers and the other using ground-based interceptor missiles.
　政府は、イージス艦発射型と地上発射型の２種類のＭＤ配備を着実に進めるべきだ。

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Options require U.S. support

If a number of ballistic missiles were fired at one time, however, it would be extremely difficult for a missile defense system, no matter its form, to intercept all of them.
　だが、一度に多数のミサイルが発射された場合、ＭＤで完璧(かんぺき)に迎撃するのは極めて難しい。

Under its strictly defensive defense policy, Japan has its Self-Defense Forces focus on defensive operations while relying on the U.S. forces for retaliatory strikes. Military deterrent can basically be maintained under this current division of roles between the SDF and U.S. forces, as long as the Japan-U.S. security alliance functions as intended.
　日本は専守防衛の方針の下、自衛隊は防御に徹し、報復の攻撃力は米軍に依存する、という役割分担をしている。日米同盟が機能すれば、現体制でも軍事的抑止力は基本的に維持される。

However, the option to allow the SDF certain strike capabilities to complement the current setup should not be dismissed.
　ただ、現体制を補完する形で、自衛隊が一定の攻撃力を持つ選択肢も排除すべきではあるまい。

The means to strike enemy bases roughly come in two delivery systems--cruise missile strikes such as by the Tomahawk of the United States, and strikes using bombing aircraft.
　敵基地攻撃の手段を大別すればトマホークのような巡航ミサイルと、攻撃機による爆撃がある。

It is difficult for cruise missiles to engage Rodong missiles because precise target locations are needed, and Rodongs are launched from mobile platforms.
　巡航ミサイルは、攻撃目標の正確な位置を発射前に入力することが必要なため、ノドンのような移動式発射装置の攻撃は難しい。

Bombing aircraft, meanwhile, need to break through an enemy's air defense network to deliver air strikes, requiring air force units comprising support fighters to secure air supremacy, electronic air warfare aircraft with jamming capabilities, air tankers and other assistance.
　攻撃機による爆撃は、敵の防空網を突破するため、爆撃機だけでなく、制空目的の支援戦闘機や、妨害電波を出す電子戦機、空中給油機など、大規模な航空部隊の編成が必要となる。

Either scenario requires close coordination with U.S. forces.
　いずれにせよ、米軍との緊密な協調が前提となる。

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SDF role should be clarified

Detecting a sign of a missile launch and identifying its intended target makes indispensible the cooperation of U.S. forces in providing such information to the SDF. Striking all enemy missile bases solely using the SDF is unrealistic considering the huge costs and time involved.
　そもそもミサイル発射の兆候の探知や攻撃目標の位置特定には、米軍の情報協力が不可欠である。自衛隊単独での全ミサイル基地攻撃というのは、膨大な費用と時間を要し、非現実的だ。

How and under what conditions, then, could the SDF effectively complement U.S. attack capabilities? We hope a comprehensive study of this matter is made based on realistic unit operation conditions.
　どんな場合に、自衛隊が米軍の攻撃力をどう補完するのが効果的なのか。部隊運用の実情を踏まえて、客観的に研究したい。

To ensure that the Japan-U.S. security alliance functions effectively, it is necessary to enable Japan to exercise its right of collective self-defense, which is currently banned by the government's interpretation of the Constitution. The alliance could be shaken if Japan remains barred under the Constitution from intercepting missiles heading toward the United States.
　日米同盟を機能させるには、政府の憲法解釈が禁じている集団的自衛権の行使を可能にすることも必要だ。米国に向かうミサイルは憲法上、迎撃できないというのでは、同盟が揺らぎかねない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 16, 2009)
（2009年5月16日01時27分 読売新聞）