Defense officials in Japan say the country should possess the ability to launch counterstrikes.

They presented the view on Friday at a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito.

They say Japan's current defense system is ill-equipped to cope with a ballistic missile attack, especially if many were fired simultaneously.

And they say Japan needs the ability to defend itself by striking missile launch bases.

A draft plan says any counterstrikes would be limited to "military targets" and based on international humanitarian law.

The LDP supports the draft, but Komeito is stressing the need for more discussions.