Japan is increasingly worried that China and North Korea are developing ways to conduct an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. This requires the atmospheric use of a nuclear weapon, which generates powerful electromagnetic radiation that can harm any electrical devices.
If electromagnetic waves destroy the control radar, fighter jets won’t be able to take off or land. Consequently, the government has prepared countermeasures, like building EMP filters to protect electrical systems.
The first site to use these defences will be Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. Additionally, it is projected that the following air bases will receive protection: Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido, Fuchu Air Base in Tokyo, and Naha Air Base in Okinawa.
Major defence installations will be modernized as part of steps to significantly increase the country’s defence capabilities, according to the new National Security Strategy.
For measures including building underground command centers, the government has budgeted about 36.4 billion yen in the preliminary budget for this year. Site surveys and other activities will be carried out as soon as possible.
In order to construct buildings that can serve as SDF training facilities, evacuation shelters for locals in an emergency, and other uses in peacetime, the government is thinking of purchasing land on the islands of Yonaguni and Ishigaki.
Experts advise Japan to be prepared to carry out limited surgical attacks against the enemy’s positions. The electric grid and other key infrastructure should, however, be EMP-hardened as it is the best, safest, and least disruptive solution.
Despite having valid concerns regarding EMP impacts, the system is still viewed as an unproven weapon with limited missile experience, which minimizes the immediate threat.
