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Japan vows to shoot down North Korean missile if it fails
By Kosuke Takahashi
30 March 2009
The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) is preparing to destroy a ballistic missile test-fired from North Korea should a failed launch pose a danger to Japan, a defence official has stated.
Following a high-level security meeting with Prime Minister Taro Aso on 27 March, Japan's Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada was expected to order the JSDF to activate Japan's missile defence system to prepare to shoot down the missile or any debris after it is fired in early April.
This destruction order is based on Article 82-2 of JSDF Law, which stipulates that, even if the possibility of a missile or rocket falling onto Japan is unclear, the JSDF can take preventative action.
North Korea is poised to launch what it claims is a satellite launch vehicle between 4-8 April to boost national prestige ahead of the Supreme People's Assembly starting on 9 April.