Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada ordered the relevant units to possibly destroy a North Korean reconnaissance satellite, which is scheduled to be launched in the near future. This is reported by the news agency Reuters.
Hamada ordered the self-defense forces to make the necessary preparations, as he could potentially order the destruction of the target
Reuters reports.
Theoretically, the Japanese military can shoot down a low-orbit satellite from destroyers equipped with the AEGIS missile defense system. However, the head of the Japanese defense department fears that the wreckage may fall on residential areas of the country. In addition, in the event of the destruction of the North Korean satellite, there is a risk of aggravation of relations between Japan and the DPRK.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced the readiness of the military reconnaissance satellite on Wednesday, April 19. He stated that the launch of the satellite will continue despite threats from Japan. It is necessary for Pyongyang to counter threats from the United States and South Korea.
Kim Jong-un demonstrated a likely response to the destruction of his satellite this week. North Korean television showed the successful testing of a new solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile, which raised many questions in the West about Pyongyang's excessive progress in missile technology.
A number of major publications have suggested that China and Russia are assisting the DPRK in missile development. The Italian media even called the relationship between China, Russia and North Korea a "triangle of deathfor the US in the Pacific.