Monday, September 15, 2025
spot_img

Japan deploys missile defences in Tokyo

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

Tokyo: Japan has deployed missile batteries in Tokyo and dispatched destroyers carrying interceptor missiles as it boosts its defences against a planned North Korean rocket launch this month.

Pyongyang says it will launch a satellite for peaceful scientific research between April 12 and 16 to mark the 100th anniversary on April 15 of the birth of founding leader Kim Il-Sung.

But the United States and its allies say it is a disguised missile test and that the launch would contravene UN sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea’s missile programme.

Patriot missiles were Saturday deployed at three military facilities in the greater Tokyo region and the defence ministry dispatched three Aegis destroyers carrying sea-based interceptor missiles, reportedly to the East China sea.

“With the latest step, it completes the deployment of PAC3,” said a duty officer at the defence ministry, referring to the Patriot missiles. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has given the green light to shoot down the North Korean rocket if it threatens Japan’s territory.

In 2009, Japan also ordered missile defence preparations before Pyongyang’s last long-range rocket launch which brought UN Security Council condemnation and tightened sanctions against the isolated communist state.

That rocket, which North Korea also said was aimed at putting a satellite into orbit, passed over Japanese territory without incident or any attempt to shoot it down. (AFP)

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Sena (UBT) stages protests against India-Pak match

Mumbai, Sep 14: The Shiv Sena (UBT) members on Sunday raised slogans and even destroyed a television set...

Pahalgam victim’s daughter calls for boycott of India-Pak tie

Pune, Sep 14: Asavari Jagdale, whose father Santosh Jagdale was one of the 26 people who lost their...

Pakistan is BJP’s partner: Tejashwi on Asia Cup match

Patna, Sep 14: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday attacked the BJP over the Asia Cup match in...

AAP workers hold protest in Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 14: Women workers of the AAP held a protest here on Sunday against the India-Pakistan...