Japan – Misawa: The North Korea’s expected launch of a long-range missile capable of striking U.S. territory is closely monitored by U.S military from its bases in Japan.
In last week North Korea said, it would launch a communications satellite into orbit. The South Korean government strongly believes that the satellite claim may be a cover for a missile launch and have warned the regime not to carry out any "provocative" actions and North Korea is ready for war. The satellite images reveal brisk activity at a launch pad in North Korea’s northeast.
The US military is closely watching the situation but refused to provide any details about the possible timing of the launch said by the U.S. military officials at Misawa Air Base, which is on Japan’s northern fringe just across the Sea of Japan from North Korea.
On Tuesday the Maj. James Crawford, a spokesman for the U.S. Army in Japan, said that "U.S. Army forces in Japan are always vigilant and more than capable of defending Japan from any threat, including ballistic missiles, and as always we are working closely with our Japanese allies."
Officials say Misawa is a front-line station for monitoring North Korean activity. If U.S. military satellites detect a flash of heat from a missile range in North Korea, within seconds computers at the base can plot a rough trajectory.
Amid heightened tensions, Yasukazu Hamada the Japan’s Defense Minister said it is "natural" for Tokyo to "respond to any situations" when asked whether the government plans to shoot down a North Korean missile.
News agency from Japan also said Japan plans to deploy an Aegis radar-equipped destroyer carrying a missile interceptor to the Sea of Japan before Pyongyang’s expected missile launch.
North Korea unsuccessfully test-fired a long-range missile in 2006 — the same year it conducted its first nuclear test — but is believed to have made improvements in its missile capabilities.
North Korea’s latest threat is a bid to draw President Barack Obama’s attention as his administration formulates its North Korea policy as international disarmament talks remain on hold. Obama’s envoy on North Korea is heading to the region for talks with his counterparts to the nuclear talks.