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Japan holds missile shield exercise in Tokyo
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-29 15:55 TOKYO -- Japan tested a ballistic missile defense unit in the center of Tokyo on Tuesday, stepping up preparations to secure the capital from what is seen as an increased threat from neighboring North Korea.
"We are not deploying PAC-3 just for fun," Ishiba said. "We have to make sure its capability is truly reliable and the personnel in charge of it are well trained." Japan has been aggressively augmenting its missile defense capabilities through joint programs with the US amid concerns about a possible threat from North Korea. North Korea has missiles that can reach any target in Japan, where roughly 50,000 American troops are based under a mutual security pact. About 250 Ground Self-Defense Forces soldiers participated in Tuesday's drill, the first full-fledged exercise using the PAC-3 unit that Japan deployed last year. The exercise was designed to test the troops' ability to use the equipment efficiently and safely, a ministry spokeswoman said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy. They did not test-fire actual missiles, she said. The spokeswoman said no further details could be released because of national security concerns. Kyodo News agency said the soldiers used training ammunition and adjusted the angle of the missile launcher, along with checking radio signals. |
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