Japan is going to postpone it for its ballistic missile defence system. Japan, which wants to procure two Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defence systems from the United States to deploy it on its shores last year, announced that the plan had been suspended.

The country's Defence Minister Taro Kono said the defence systems to be purchased to detect and counter North Korean ballistic missiles have been suspended due to technical problems and lack of budget. Minister Kono said they will continue to fight the Aegis system stationed on ships against possible threats. 

North Korea began testing new ballistic missiles allegedly designed last year in response to Japan's Aegis system.

Two Aegis Ashore systems planned to be purchased are expected to be approximately USD 4.1 billion over the next 30 years, according to defence ministry documents.