Japan May Withdraw Missile Interceptors as Korean Tensions Ease

The Japanese Defense Ministry is considering withdrawing on Monday surface-to-air Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) ballistic missile interceptors deployed in the country's North and West to counter possible missile launches from North Korea, according to a report.

News ID: 71470

Date: 30 July 2018 - 17:43

TEHRAN (Defapress)- According to the NHK, the Japanese Defense Ministry concluded that the situation on the Korean peninsula had sufficiently improved following the US-North Korea summit in Singapore in June, therefore reducing the possibility of ballistic missile launches by North Korea. It is considering the withdrawal of troops from Japan's Northern and Western regions on Monday as well.

However, the defense ministry noted that a special order on "destruction measures" against ballistic missiles would remain in force in order to counter any possible missile launches.

It is also taking steps to be able to promptly deploy PAC-3 defense systems if the situation on the Korean Peninsula deteriorates.

The Japanese Defense Ministry is also expected to retain a PAC-3 unit in Tokyo's Ichigaya district.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula has significantly improved within the last several months, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un having held two rounds of talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and a top-level summit with US leader Donald Trump in Singapore.

In August, Japan deployed PAC-3 defense systems in prefectures of Shimane, Hiroshima, Ehime, and Kochi in response to North Korea's announcement that it has a plan for a potential missile strike near the US Pacific island territory of Guam. In September, the Japanese government decided to deploy an additional PAC-3 unit in the Northern city of Hakodate after a missile launched by Pyongyang flew over Japan's Northernmost island of Hokkaido.

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