World

Japan Could Intercept North Korean Rocket

by Rob Walker | March 27, 2009 at 05:31 am

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Japan's government stated it would shoot down any pieces of North Korea's satellite that looks as though it will be landing in their country when it launches between April 4 and 8.

Japan ordered two destroyers with Aegis anti-missile systems into the Sea of Japan and is moving Patriot land-to-air missiles to the country's northern coast, where the North Korean rocket is likely to fly over.

North Korea says any attemps to intercept the rocket would be interpreted as an act of war.

The US said a launch would violate UN Security Council resolutions. Russia said North Korea should "abstain" from testing any missiles.
Japan's Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada issued the orders to mobilise Japan's missile defence shield after a meeting with Prime Minister Taro Aso and cabinet ministers.

"We will do our best to handle any flying object from North Korea in order to assure the Japanese people's safety and security," said Mr Hamada.

Japan ordered two destroyers equipped with American-built Aegis anti-missile systems into the Sea of Japan, and said it would soon move Patriot land-to-air missiles to the country's northern coast, over which the North Korean rocket is likely to fly.

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Uwe Paschen

at 06:02 on March 27th, 2009

Yes, they could theoretically, yet should they fail it would not only be an international humiliation but more so an outbreak of anger and panic with in Japan.

Why most analyst do not understand the rather aggressive move and tactic Japan is taking. Especially when Diplomacy at this point would be of a greater benefit and far more promising then Military counter threats.

From Japan Time Magazine.

"If Japan tries and fails to take out a North Korean rocket it will be an international humiliation and a crushing blow to the expensive missile defence programme, which is already expected to surpass its estimated cost of as much as $8.9 billion (£6.3 billion) by 2012. If it succeeds it will rattle China, which already fears that the combined US-Japan missile defence effort will undermine its own limited nuclear deterrent."

http://my.nowpublic.com/world/missile-crisis-japanese-sea-escalating-further