Japan signs £2.2bn long-range missile development deals

Japan’s Defence Ministry announced Tuesday it has signed contracts worth nearly 380 billion yen (£2.2 billion) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop and mass produce long-range missiles. This photo shows an exterior view of the Defence Ministry of Japan with its sign at the main entrance in Tokyo. (Hiro Komae, AP Photo)

Japan’s Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday it has signed contracts worth nearly 380 billion yen (£2.2 billion) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop and mass produce long-range missiles.

The missiles would be ready for deployment as early as 2026 amid growing fears of China’s increasing military strength.