Japan Keeps Its Defense Systems on Alert

Japan has kept its ballistic missile defense systems on high alert today, Sunday, despite the expiration of a deadline set by North Korea for launching a satellite. Japan had previously pledged to shoot down any projectile it deems a threat to its territory, after North Korea notified Japan that it planned to launch a satellite between May 31 and midnight on Saturday. The Ministry of Defense confirmed in a statement that "Japan will maintain its preparations concerning ballistic missile defense systems for the time being" without providing a specific reason for this decision.