I was interested to see the Japanese participation, and then read the article you posted which indicates that Japan has been involved for some time in the Aegis testing - and development as well? Good for them. I know they have something in their constitution which limits their military involvement with other countries; I imagine the N. Korea threat is trumping that.
We sold them four Aegis systems, for their "Kogo" class ships (identical to our Arleigh Burke designs), which they built, and we outfitted with the system...which they paid for. Which is a big deal in these circles. They have participated in our upgradings and - and development as well?
Not yet. Anyways...we know precisely what we have to do. We just need to get the politicians out of the way. Especially important that the Administration recognize that they were lied to "Big Time" by the Russians in exchange for the insane "Framework" attached to the Treaty of Moscow. It needs to be promptly and permanently jettisoned. Reagan never negotiated with SDI. It wasn't a bargaining chip for him. It was a fundamental core national value. Our right to safeguard ourselves is not negotiable.
Good for them.
Yes. We just have to be extra diligent that the technology doesn't leak as our quiet propeller technology leaked via Mitsubishi around 1984 or so to Russia. So far so good. The Japanese appear to be on board with operational and systemmic confidentiality with Aegis.