Japan preps to intercept N. Korean rocket

In this March 29, 2009 file photo, PAC-3 land-to-air missiles are deployed at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo as part of Japan's military mobilization to protect the country from any threat if North Korea's looming rocket launch fails. / AP

(AP) TOKYO - Japan's defense minister Friday ordered missile units to intercept a long-range rocket expected to be launched by North Korea if the rocket or its fragments threaten to hit Japan.

The Unha-3 rocket is expected to fly past western Japan after its launch from North Korea's west coast sometime between April 12 and 16. The plan has raised concerns that a failed launch, or a falling stage of the rocket, could endanger Japanese lives or property.

Friday's order from Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka came at a meeting of Japan's national security council and followed earlier instructions for the military to prepare to intercept the rocket if it enters Japanese territory.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura urged people to stay calm, saying the military is preparing "just in case.

Sat image shows activity at NKorea launch site

"We don't believe anything would fall over Japan's territory. Please carry out your daily lives and business as usual," he said.

A statement from the Defense Ministry said Japan would send destroyers equipped with Aegis missile defense systems to the Pacific and East China Sea and deploy mobile Patriot missile launchers in Okinawa. An interceptor missile unit is also likely to be deployed in Tokyo, although the capital is far from the expected flight path.

North Korea has said the launch will send a satellite into orbit to study its crops and natural resources. Japan, the United States and other countries claim the launch is a cover for testing long-range missiles, in violation of international agreements.

Seoul has also warned it might shoot down any parts of the North Korean rocket heading for South Korean territory.

Japan mobilized its interceptor units but did not follow through when North Korea launched a rocket in 2009.

Interceptor missiles on the Japanese destroyers would be the first line of defense, and the land-based Patriot missiles would be a backup. Japan has successfully tested its interceptor missiles but has never used them in a real-world situation.

[oldman67]

It is great to know that so many know the history of the U.S. when it come to supporting, and training dictators and not considered terrorist by the majority Americans in covert operations in South America, the Middle East and in Africa . The former School of the American and training both Rwandan and Ugandan troops at Fort Bragg by U.S. Special Forces to carry out the second largest genocide in history in the Congolese Wars of more than six million men, women and children wouldn't be considered as terrorism. Just to those who died. The truth is most Americans could care less about how many die in third world countries.

[cbsnews_viewer]

Japan's radiation issue is 50 times the issue. N. Korea, will develop a rocket close to 30 years after much of Asia. If China gave a damn about North Korea's food issues it would act. Why should it? The current economic order insures China makes money, and the US politicians moan about a Stalinist holdout. Japan has the tenacity to deal with North Korea, how and when it chooses.

[fitstshu]

Storm back to Feb 1969 and try again son

[stormerF69]

At least the Japanese are not talking themselves to death about it,North Korea is China's dog on a lease,put the pinch on China's imports till they rein in their pet dog.

[thechooch1]

stormerF69 it isn't quite that easy. If we "put the pinch on China's imports" would they "put the pinch" on lending us money? A better policy would be for everyone to try and buy American.

[cubscout09]

Do we still have that Boeing 747, the one that is a big laser tube with wings, stationed in Japan?

[bradkt1]

Is anyone really silly enough to want another war with Japan? They may have lost the last war, but laid waste to the entire continent of Asia last time before they did.

Banzai!

[KnowerseekerReturns]

Their values and philosophies on war are different now, but still, they do have a strong defense force.

[Adress9871234]

After all this , who wants to give money and food to N. Korea and WHY ?

[stormerF69]

The same reason Obama and Hillary gave Egypt 1.5 billion then issued a travel warning for Americans to stay out of Egypt?

[caljack430]

because it isn't their innocent and sheltered citizens that are doing this. they probably aren't even aware these things are occurring because their government keeps them suspended in starvation and ignorance.