Japan plans for new missile

A Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptor missile launcher at the Defense Ministry headquarters(AFP file photo)

The Age
Tokyo
July 6, 2009

Japan is considering introducing a new type of missile defence system to counter airborne attacks, notably from North Korea, according to a media report.

Japan has two types of defence against airborne attacks — the warship-installed Standard Missile 3 and the Patriot Advanced Capability 3, a surface-to-air missile.

But the two systems will not be enough to cover the nation's territory completely, the Mainichi daily said yesterday.

The Defence Ministry has plans for another surface-to-air missile, the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system.