TOKYO (AFP) – Japan’s Defense Minister on Saturday ordered the military to activate missile interceptors and prepare to launch debris from a North Korean satellite that could fall on Japanese territory.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said earlier this week that its first military spy satellite would be launched on an unspecified date.
North Korea said it had tested about 100 missiles since early last year in response to joint US-South Korea military exercises. Some of the missiles flew over Japan or landed on Japan’s northern coast.
Last week, North Korea tested a solid-fuel ICBM for the first time. Defense Minister Hamada on Saturday instructed the military to prepare PAC-3 surface-to-air missiles from southwestern Japan, including Okinawa and neighboring islands, in areas believed to be under North Korean missile trajectory.
He also ordered destroyers armed with SM-3 air-to-air missiles to be used in coastal waters, the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said, “There is a possibility that an order to dispose of ballistic missiles and other equipment will be issued, and we are making the necessary preparations.”
A rocket launch order requires the approval of the prime minister.
North Korea is expected to conduct more weapons tests, and the US and South Korea will continue joint air exercises next week.
