The Japanese government considers the possibility of permanently deploying PAC-3 missile interceptor; Tokyo to send MSDF destroyer to join an international anti-piracy fleet
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    • (JUNE 24-30)

    The Japanese government is reportedly considering the possible deployment of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) units at the Defense Ministry permanently in order to deal with any possible attack from North Korean side. Earlier in April this year, under a government order issued to the Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF), PAC-3 missile interceptor units were deployed in a number of places (including Okinawa) to intercept any ballistic missile launched by the North that could hit Japan. On June 28, the government lifted the April order. However, concerned by the uncertain behaviour of North Korea in recent times, the government has concluded that there is a need to continue deploying the PAC-3 units to defend the capital functions of Tokyo. 1

    In another development, Japanese Defense minister Itsunori Onodera, on June 23, announced that Japan will send a Maritime SDF (MSDF) destroyer to join an international fleet to combat piracy off Somalia. He further stated that MSDF’s ongoing anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, which is scheduled to end on July 23 this year, is to be extended by one more year. 2

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