Japan deploys PAC-3 missile interceptors in Hakodate

September 19, 2017

HAKODATE, HOKKAIDO- Japan's Defense Ministry deployed Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, missile interceptors in the city of Hakodate, Hokkaido, on Tuesday after North Korea recently fired two missiles over the southern part of the northernmost Japan prefecture.

The PAC-3 interceptors of the Air Self-Defense Force were transported to the Ground SDF's Hakodate base, in case of another North Korean missile traveling over Hokkaido and missile debris possibly falling in and around the city.

"It's part of our contingency plan," Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told a press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday. "We'll do all we can to ensure the safety of the people and their peace of mind."

North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Aug. 29 and another on Friday. Both missiles flew over the Oshima Peninsula, where Hakodate is located, and Cape Erimo before falling into the Pacific.

In northern Japan, PAC-3 systems are deployed at the ASDF's Chitose base in the Hokkaido city of Chitose and its Shariki sub base in the city of Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture, south of Hokkaido. Located between the two areas, Hakodate has been left uncovered by a missile defense system. Jiji Press