Tokyo, July 08: Japan has decided to accelerate its
missile defence plans after test launches by its reclusive
neighbour North Korea raised regional security concerns, a
news report said today.
Three surface-to-air missiles used to intercept incoming
missiles will now be deployed in 2007, a year earlier than
planned, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said without citing
sources.
The PAC-3S (patriot advanced capability 3s) were
initially due to be deployed in metropolitan areas by the end
of March 2008, followed by deployment in rural areas.
But officials decided it was necessary to set up the
interceptor systems far sooner after North Korean missile
tests on Wednesday raised security concerns among the Japanese
public.
North Korea test-fired without warning seven missiles,
including for the first time a long-range Taepodong-2 which
quickly crashed into the sea of Japan (East Sea), but which
has a range capable of reaching Tokyo.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, July 08, 2006, 00:00