Image source: topwar.ru
Japan is going to transfer Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Okinawa Island. Now the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are busy preparing for this event after a corresponding order from Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamadu. This is reported by the Japanese edition of Kyodo.
With the help of the Patriot air defense system, the Japanese military is going to intercept ballistic missiles launched by North Korea if they threaten the country. Earlier it became known that the leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un, announced the upcoming launch of a newly created reconnaissance satellite in the country. This news alarmed the Japanese side, which decided to take emergency measures.
According to Kyodo, a group of Japanese Self-Defense Forces soldiers moved out on a rented private vessel from the port of Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture. Several vehicles were loaded onto the vessel within 50 minutes. In addition to the fact that the vehicles were large, the Japanese press does not provide other details. It is possible that these were anti-aircraft missile systems being transferred to Okinawa.
Earlier, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces stressed that Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and American SM-3 anti-aircraft guided missiles will be deployed in the southern Okinawa Prefecture. With their help, the Japanese military wants to prevent the risks associated with the possible fall of fragments of a North Korean ballistic missile on Japanese territory.
A separate role in Japan's missile defense is assigned to the Maritime Self-Defense Forces. They received an order from the head of the military department to put to sea and deploy destroyers armed with the Aegis missile defense system. It is not yet known whether Tokyo will intercept the missile or whether the deployment of missile defense forces and means is more of a demonstration nature.
