- Sputnik International
Asia
Find top stories and features from Asia and the Pacific region. Keep updated on major political stories and analyses from Asia and the Pacific. All you want to know about China, Japan, North and South Korea, India and Pakistan, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Japan Trains Using Patriot Interceptor Systems Against North Korean Missiles

© AP Photo / Shizuo KambayashiJapan Self-Defense Force's PAC-3 Patriot missile unit deployed for North Korea's rocket launch at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016
Japan Self-Defense Force's PAC-3 Patriot missile unit deployed for North Korea's rocket launch at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Japan’s troops trained to use Patriot air-and-missile defense systems.

Japan Self-Defense Force's PAC-3 Patriot missile unit deployed for North Korea's rocket launch at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 - Sputnik International
Asia
Japan to Move Patriot Missile Systems in Response to N Korea Rocket Launch
TOKYO (Sputnik) — Japan’s troops trained on Thursday to use Patriot air-and-missile defense systems against a threat from North Korea, local media reported.

The one-hour exercise took place at the Komaki base in the Aichi prefecture, the NHK news channel said. There was no live fire.

Japanese self-defense forces reportedly drove the system to the base, prepared it for the launch and pointed the missiles toward the sky.

Two more drills will take place at other bases in Japan. They were called by the Defense Ministry after North Korea conducted a series of missile tests this year, with several projectiles plunging into waters in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) is a high-velocity interceptor that can defend against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and planes.

Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada announced the start of the exercises on Wednesday. She said it was important to hone tactical skills, citing a severe security climate. The Defense Ministry also plans to hold joint drills with the United States, she said.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала