Japan to deploy Patriot missile defense systems in Okinawa
Japan said on Friday that it would deploy anti-ballistic missiles in Okinawa permanently this month as part of its efforts to boost defense capability amid concerns over missile threats by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said his ministry will station Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) systems at two military bases in the southern Japanese island "at the earliest opportunity in April".
The ministry had earlier planned to deploy them by March 2015, but "we were considering advancing the plan that will protect people's lives and property against ballistic missiles", Onodera said.
The move came as the country remains on full alert ahead of a possible mid-range missile launch by the DPRK.
Intelligence from the Republic of Korea said the DPRK has prepared two mid-range missiles for imminent launch from its east coast, despite warnings from China to avoid provocative moves at a time of soaring military tensions.
The issue appeared to take on greater urgency on Friday after it was revealed a report compiled by the US military spy agency had suggested Pyongyang has the ability to launch a nuclear-armed ballistic missile.
Japan has already stationed PAC-3s in its capital to protect the 30 million people who live there.
In addition to PAC-3 batteries, Aegis destroyers equipped with sea-based interceptor missiles have been deployed in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.
Pyongyang has issued near-daily threats of attacks on US military bases, including in Japan and the ROK, in response to ongoing US-ROK military exercises.
The timing of the DPRK's missile launch is still "unpredictable", Onodera said, "but we will continue to be on alert so that we can take action at any time".
Analysts said Tokyo's measures are purely precautionary and a mistargeted missile that might end up falling uncontrollably toward Japanese territory is most likely what Tokyo was readying for.
(China Daily 04/13/2013 page8)
