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Japan Ready to Destroy N. Korea Rocket

Patriot missiles prepared in Tokyo, on coasts

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 8, 2012 6:40 AM CST

(Newser) – If, after its firing, any piece of North Korea's rocket appears likely to fall in Japanese territory, Tokyo is ready to shoot it from the sky. Patriot missiles are at the ready in Tokyo, Okinawa, and elsewhere on Japan's north and west coasts, the Telegraph reports. Japan has issued similar orders twice in the past, but they've never been carried out, the Wall Street Journal notes. In the Sea of Japan, three destroyers are at the ready with search-and-destroy systems; the US also has ships in position for the planned launch. Satellite photos suggest Pyongyang's rocket should be ready by Monday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, center, stands by a ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor during his inspection tour to the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, center, stands by a ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor during his inspection tour to the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.   (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
doctordo
Dec 8, 2012 9:31 PM CST
JoeQ..Did you think that N. Korea would send out ingraved invatations to their launch????? 
iq145
Dec 8, 2012 2:21 PM CST
Well, Japan may get to see what a treacherous sneak attack feels like...
JoeQ
Dec 8, 2012 11:49 AM CST
Helluva good test.  Very objective, our side doesn't get to know the launch time or trajectory.  Thanks, North Korea!
 

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