Japan has deployed surface-to-air interceptor missiles in Tokyo to protect millions of citizens living in the capital amid North Korea’s recent provocations.
Two Patriot Advance Capability-3 will be stationed in greater Tokyo, according to AFP.
The defence minsitry has also decided to permanently base PAC-3 missiles at Naha Air Base and Chinen Sub-Base, both on the main Okinawan island, from later in April, reports the Asahi Shimbun.
In addition, Aegis destroyers equipped with sea-based interceptor missiles have been deployed in the Sea of Japan, a defence official told AFP.
The government vowed to protect its people with their “utmost efforts” as the North continues with its barrage of belligerent rhetoric.
Japan’s armed forces were authorized to shoot down any North Korean missile headed towards its territory, a defence ministry spokesman said Monday.
“As North Korea keeps making provocative comments, Japan, cooperating with relevant countries, will do what we have to do,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said.
