The Diet last week passed a revision of the Self- Defense Forces Law to identify actions Japan would take if faced with an imminent ballistic missile attack. This simplification of the command procedure for firing interceptor missiles, however, poses several questions, especially regarding the issue of civilian control. The introduction of missile defense itself also should be questioned.

Under existing law, in the event of a military attack from another country, the prime minister would order an SDF mobilization with approval from the Diet. In an emergency case, the prime minister could mobilize SDF units first, but would have to get ex post facto approval immediately from the Diet.

Under the revision, the SDF could fire interceptor missiles without the prime minister's mobilization order. If another country indicated that it intended to launch a ballistic missile attack on Japan -- such as by fueling a missile launcher -- the Defense Agency chief would seek permission from the prime minister in a Cabinet meeting to deploy the missile shield. If there were no clear signs of an imminent attack but another country behaved in a manner that led Japan to be on high alert -- for example, by preparing for an apparent missile test that could turn into a real attack launch -- the defense chief would get permission from the prime minister to implement an emergency procedures manual with an expiration date for deploying the missile shield.