Japan has put its ballistic missile defense systems on alert today, Monday, warning that it will intercept any missile threatening its territory. This comes after North Korea informed Japan that it would launch a satellite between May 31 and June 11. Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, stated in a regular briefing after North Korea notified the Japanese Coast Guard about the planned launch: "The government recognizes the possibility that the satellite may pass over our territory."
A spokesperson from Japan's Ministry of Defense indicated that "Tokyo expects North Korea to launch the rocket carrying its satellite over the southwestern island chain, as it did in 2016." The order issued by the Ministry of Defense is the first reaction to a space launch from North Korea since 2016.
South Korea's foreign ministry urged North Korea today to cancel its satellite launch plan and pledged to cooperate with the international community to respond to provocations from Pyongyang. North Korea, which is armed with nuclear weapons, has stated that it has completed the manufacturing of its first military reconnaissance satellite, and leader Kim Jong Un has approved final preparations for the launch.
North Korean state media criticized the plans of its adversaries—South Korea, the United States, and Japan—to share real-time data about its missile launches, describing the three as discussing "wicked measures" to strengthen military cooperation.
Analysts say the satellite is part of a surveillance technology program that includes drones and aims to enhance North Korea's capabilities to strike targets in the event of war. The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim inspected a military facility for satellites in May.
North Korea has conducted a series of missile launches and weapons tests in recent months, including a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile.
