Japan announced it has deployed Patriot Advanced Capability-3 surface-to-air interceptors (PAC-3) in response to North Korea’s recent missiles launches.
The battery was moved to a Ground Self-Defense Force camp in the city from an Air Self-Defense Force base about 70 km away, apparently because the interceptors only cover a range of roughly several dozen kilometers.
The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 surface-to-air interceptors are designed to shoot down ballistic missiles before they land and are there to back up Japan’s sea-based Standard Missile-3 systems if they fail to intercept their targets in outer space.
North Korea “may launch ballistic missiles that would fly over our nation again in the future,” Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters Tuesday. “To prepare for an emergency, we would like to make every effort possible to protect the people’s safety.” – Japan Times
Featured image of Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) deployment training at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan by US Pacific Command
