The U.S. Defense Department has decided to embark on the development of an interceptor missile and will seek to begin talks with Japan this year to move the joint research of the missile defense system to the development phase, Pentagon officials said Monday.

Japan eased its arms export ban in December to enable sales of missile components to the United States ahead of a planned upgrading of the joint research.

The United States has independently developed the Standard Missile 3 interceptor with a diameter of 34 centimeters. The U.S. Navy has pressed for building a bigger missile with 53 cm in diameter. The Navy says it would provide longer range and higher interception capability, but some experts doubt its effectiveness.

The updated missile system is under a joint research program between Japan and the United States. A Pentagon official said it will probably take at least three to five years to move the advanced missile to the production and deployment stage.

The bilateral missile defense cooperation is expected to proceed to a long-delayed new stage to become the centerpiece of the security alliance.

The official indicated that the United States wants to reach a final agreement this year to begin joint development, and is considering sending Lt. Gen. Henry Obering, who heads the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, to Japan to sound out the prospect.

After DPRK fired a long-range rocket in August 1998 that flew over Japan into the Pacific, Japan and the United States have been promoting a sea-based missile defense shield that employs destroyers equipped with the Aegis air defense system. A joint technological study was launched in 1999.

The research focuses on four key components, including nosecones and kinetic warheads for 53-cm SM3 interceptors.

The administration of President George W. Bush plans to deploy 18 Aegis destroyers and guided missile cruisers with SM3 interceptors in the Pacific, including the Sea of Japan.

Source: Agencies