Defence Japan deploys Patriot missiles on Ishigaki

[thomas]

The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force deployed Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air missile units on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa on Friday, following reports North Korea plans to launch what it says is a military reconnaissance satellite. North Korea announced that it would conduct a launch between 31 May and 11 June. A launch conducted by North Korea failed on Wednesday, but Pyongyang has said it plans to conduct another launch.

The Self-Defense Forces had planned to deploy the PAC-3 units in Ishigaki Island before the period started but could not because of strong winds from an approaching typhoon. The SDF will attempt to intercept any North Korean rocket that falls into Japanese territory, utilizing the PAC-3 units and Aegis system-equipped destroyers.

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Deploys PAC-3 Missiles on Ishigaki Island

The Air Self-Defense Force deployed Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air missile units on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture on Friday, following reports North Korea plans to launch what it says is a “military reconnaissance satellite.”

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Last Monday, Tokyo stated that it would shoot down any North Korean missile that violates its territory. It is preparing to do so after Kim Jong-un's regime told Tokyo it plans to launch a satellite between 31 May and 11 June.

Japan may take ‘destructive measures’ after North Korea announces satellite launch dates

Tokyo says any missile entering its territory will be destroyed as Pyongyang completes preparations to launch first military spy satellite

www.theguardian.com