Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu issued an order to the Self-Defense Forces to prepare for destruction measures in response to North Korea's plan to launch a reconnaissance satellite, local media reported on the 22nd.
According to Kyodo News, Defense Minister Hamada gave this directive in preparation for the possibility of satellite or rocket debris falling within Japanese territory. The Self-Defense Forces are expected to utilize Patriot (PAC-3) surface-to-air guided missiles and Aegis ships equipped with sea-based interceptor missiles (SM-3).
Earlier, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un ordered the launch of the "Military Reconnaissance Satellite No. 1" within the planned timeframe. The Japanese government also pointed out that satellite launches using ballistic missile technology violate United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
On the 13th, when North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea, the Japanese government issued an evacuation alert around Hokkaido through the nationwide warning system, anticipating that the missile might fall there. The alert was later corrected after it was determined that the possibility of debris falling had disappeared.
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