Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi is expected to announce Tokyo's participation in the US 'Golden Dome' missile defence system when she meets President Donald Trump next week, a report said.
The Golden Dome initiative, billed as a next-generation missile defence shield, aims to protect the nation from aerial attacks through space-based interceptors and sensors.
Takaichi is expected to discuss the initiative with Trump during their planned March 19 meeting in Washington and convey Japan's intention to join.
The aim is for the allies to jointly develop interceptors and a satellite network as a counterforce to hypersonic glide vehicles pursued by China and Russia.
By participating in the Golden Dome initiative, Japan wants to boost its own self-defence capabilities.
Japan has been shedding its strict pacifist stance in recent years, moving to obtain 'counterstrike' capabilities and doubling military spending to two per cent of GDP.
