Asia

Japan Deploys Missile Shield Around Tokyo, Plans Attack Drills Over Capital

Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Associated Press

TOKYO — Japan has deployed two missile defense detachments near Tokyo and plans major drills around its capital and its first sea-based interceptor test off Hawaii this month, underscoring its missile arms race with neighboring North Korea and China.

The moves cap a decade-long effort by Tokyo — with the strong backing of Washington — to erect the region's most advanced ballistic missile defenses.

Defense Ministry officials said Japan is installing its second "PAC-3" Patriot missile defense system at an air base just east of Tokyo. The first was set up west of Tokyo in March and nine more are to be readied around the country by March 2011.

The deployment comes as the Defense Ministry is planning to conduct anti-ballistic missile drills throughout the city, testing for communications obstacles or other problems in the surrounding areas.

The drills — the first of their kind — reportedly involve trucking missile launchers and troops from their bases on the outskirts of the city into several highly populated districts, including a shopping and entertainment area and a site near the Imperial Palace.

Japanese media have reported the drills will take place over the next month, but officials would confirm only that preparations are under way and the drills "should be held soon."

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