NHK says the Japanese government’s plan to develop an early warning satellite system is likely to cost more than 260 billion yen. That's around two-point-seven billion U.S. dollars.

The Japanese broadcaster made the estimate Monday, saying Tokyo’s plan to develop a satellite system that would enable Japan to independently detect North Korean missile launches would take at least ten years.

Recently, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada stressed the need for caution in pushing forward with the plan, saying that the cost and effects should be thoroughly considered.

Heated debates are likely to take place as the Japanese Cabinet and ruling Liberal Democratic Party are reportedly seeking to include the satellite in their space development program plans, which are expected to be finalized by the end of next month.