Japan ready to shoot down North Korean missiles that violate its territory

The announcement came on May 29 after North Korea informed Japan of its plan to launch a satellite using a rocket between May 31 and June 11. North Korea said it had completed its first military reconnaissance satellite and leader Kim Jong-un had approved final preparations for a launch into orbit.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects the Korea National Aerospace Development Administration. Photo: Reuters

Analysts say the military satellites would enhance North Korea's surveillance capabilities and improve its ability to strike targets in the event of conflict.

Japan's Defense Ministry said Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada has ordered the country to be ready to intercept any missile launched by North Korea if it is confirmed that it will fall on Japanese territory. Preparations include deploying Patriot PAC-3 air defense missiles and Aegis destroyers equipped with SM-3 interceptors.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said that any missile launch by North Korea, including satellite launches, violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and poses a serious threat to the safety of Japanese people.

"We strongly urge North Korea to refrain from launching missiles," the prime minister's office said earlier on Twitter, adding that it would cooperate with relevant countries such as the United States and South Korea.

Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missiles. However, Pyongyang says the ban does not apply to its civilian space program.

Japan, South Korea and the US all believe that North Korea's satellite launches are just "covers" for missile tests because they use similar technology.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a military satellite facility in May, according to North Korean news agency KCNA.

North Korean media has previously criticized plans by South Korea, the United States and Japan to share real-time data on its missile launches, describing the three sides as discussing "dangerous measures" to tighten military cooperation.

Spring Mai

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/nhat-ban-san-sang-ban-ha-ten-lua-trieu-tien-xam-pham-lanh-tho-20230529110226224.htm