Kyodo News Agency reports the news that JASDF has started a deployment of the Patriot PAC 3 systems in the Tokyo city area.
The mobile deployment training of the ground-to-air guided missile Patriot took place at the Tokyo Coastal Wide Area Disaster Prevention Park in Ariake, Tokyo, on Sunday. It is the first time since 2013 that the Self-Defense Forces and The U.S. Forces in Japan have been training outside their facilities. The aim is to dispel public unrest as North Korea continues to launch missiles. On October 2nd, a conventional North Korean submarine launched an Pukguksong-3 SLBM missile, fact that has created much apprehension in Japan.
The PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability) is an upgrade of the Patriot air defense missile system. The PAC-3 upgrade was developed by Raytheon with further improved capabilities against ballistic missiles. This system can defend against ballistic missiles of all types, however it is less effective against aircraft and air-to surface missiles.
In addition to the interceptor launcher, a total of about 1,000 vehicles loaded with radar and power supplies were arranged in the Ariake’s park, and the wiring was connected while talking to each other, and the procedure to launch was confirmed over about a minute. Defense Minister Taro Kono and Governor Yuriko Koike attended the event.
Photo credit Kyodo News Agency
