Deploying a missile defense architecture that can intercept a missile early in flight (during the ascent phase) would render rogue missiles ineffective, thereby undermining the rationale to use them.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Old threat with a new face

Japan has been on the fringes of the program since at least 1993, when Mitsubishi Heavy, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Corp. (the three are independent), NEC, Hitachi and Fujitsu participated in the bilateral Western Pacific Missile Defense Architecture Study.

FORBES: Magazine Article

They will consider expanding cooperative efforts in theater missile defense technology and exercises, study ways of sharing data obtained through early warning systems, discuss theater missile defense architecture concepts, and seek opportunities for joint research and development in theater missile defense.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Clinton Missile Gaffe

But he proposed far more, describing in his own signature campaign pronouncement on national security the new architecture of American defense that Bush had failed to deliver.

FORBES: Compared With Bush, Obama's Defense Record Looks Real Good