Japan issues intercept order against potential DPRK missile launches

Japan on Monday issued an order for its self-defense forces to shoot down any projectile heading toward the country's territory, in anticipation of potential missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), local media quoted government sources as saying.

The order issued by Defense Minister Tomomi Inada is apparently aimed at ensuring that the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is ready to intercept projectiles at any time as the use of mobile launch pads could make DPRK's missile launch preparations difficult to detect in advance, according to Kyodo News.

The Japanese government had previously issued intercept orders on a case-by-case basis after signs of launch preparations by the DPRK had been detected.

The DPRK reportedly launched a medium-range missile last week, which landed within what Japan describes as its exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan, following the launch of three missiles in July and two in June, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Endit