- Oct 10, 2006
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...and now they threaten to intercept North Korean rockets/missiles. Sweet.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7967202.stm
Also, I'm pretty sure those "helicopter carrying destroyers" as Japan calls them could be refitted to use F-35Bs (the STOVL variant) pretty easily, especially given our relationship with Japan and the international nature of the JSF project.
Personally I see this as a good thing. Maybe in a decade or so they'll be developed enough to take some of the strain off of our forces in the region. Of course that's assuming shit doesn't hit the fan before then.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7967202.stm
Japan to 'destroy' N Korea rocket
Satellite image of the North Korean launch pad (11/03/2009)
The launch pad has been picked up on satellite images
Japan says it is deploying missile interceptors to destroy any parts of a North Korean rocket that might fall on its territory.
North Korea has said it will launch a satellite into orbit next month.
South Korea, Japan and the US say the launch is cover for a test of the Taepodong-2 ballistic missile.
The US said a launch would violate UN Security Council resolutions. Russia said North Korea should "abstain" from testing any missiles.
'Assure safety'
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.
Map
North Korea's missile programme
"A satellite or a missile - we are displeased with anything that is going to fly over our land, and such an action must be stopped."
It is the first time that constitutionally pacifist Japan has deployed the shield. The country's military is also expected to deploy warships off its coast.
North Korea says it intends to test-fire the rocket between the 4 and 8 April.
The trajectory issued by Pyongyang shows the rocket will pass over Japan, with the first booster stage landing in the sea to the west, the second in the Pacific Ocean to the east.
The interception is only likely to be activated if the launch does not go as planned and debris appears to be falling towards Japan.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin told journalists that the launch had led to increased tensions in the region, "and this is why it would be better if our partners in North Korea abstained from this".
Japan revised its Self-Defence Forces Law in 2005, legalising possible interceptions of ballistic missiles.
But the country's pacifist constitution does not allow it to intercept a missile if it is clearly heading elsewhere.
The Japanese government had previously warned it would try to shoot down any missile or debris that threatens to hit its territory.
North Korea has said it would regard any rocket intercept as an act of war.
Also, I'm pretty sure those "helicopter carrying destroyers" as Japan calls them could be refitted to use F-35Bs (the STOVL variant) pretty easily, especially given our relationship with Japan and the international nature of the JSF project.
Personally I see this as a good thing. Maybe in a decade or so they'll be developed enough to take some of the strain off of our forces in the region. Of course that's assuming shit doesn't hit the fan before then.