The government wants to research long-range precision missile technology, according to a draft outline of the midterm defense buildup plan for fiscal 2005-2009.
Because missiles of this kind can be used to attack overseas targets, including ballistic missile sites, the controversial proposal may be seen as a prelude to a shift in Japan's defense-oriented policy.
The document, presented by the government Friday to a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party's National Defense Division, is expected to be finalized and approved by the Cabinet after the government concludes the revised National Defense Program Outline, possibly on Tuesday.