Nuclear-armed Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, reportedly ordered final preparations for a launch to put the country’s first military spy satellite into orbit.
According to analysts, a military satellite would boost North Korea’s ability to strike targets in the event of war and would strengthen its observation capability.
The Japanese defense ministry issued a statement saying, “We will take destructive measures against ballistic and other missiles that are confirmed to land in our territory.”
The ministry declared that it will shoot down a North Korean missile using either its Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) or Patriot Missile PAC-3.
Additionally, North Korea has recently tested several missiles and weaponry, including a brand-new intercontinental ballistic missile with solid fuel.
According to a coast guard official who spoke to Reuters and confirmed a story by public broadcaster NHK and other media, North Korea informed the Japanese coast guard of the intended launch between May 31 and June 11.
Hirokazu Matsuno, the top cabinet secretary of Japan, claimed that any launch by North Korea, including one billed as a satellite launch, had an impact on the security of Japanese residents.
He stated at a press conference that “the government acknowledges that there is a possibility that the satellite may pass through our country’s territory.”
Any launch of a North Korean missile, according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, would constitute a grave infraction of a UN Security Council resolution.
The prime minister’s office earlier posted on Twitter, “We strongly urge North Korea to refrain from launching,” adding that it will work “with relevant countries such as the US and South Korea.”
Loyal ally of the US Japan promised to do everything in its power to gather and examine data from the launch.
According to KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a military satellite facility in May.
In the past, North Korean media has criticized South Korea, the US, and Japan’s plans to share real-time information on its missile launches, alleging that the three countries are talking about “sinister measures” to enhance military coordination.