U.S. military to deploy PAC-3 interceptor missiles in southern Japan

TOKYO (AP) - Japan and the United States have agreed to deploy advanced Patriot interceptor missiles on U.S. bases in Japan for the first time, officials said Monday, amid concerns North Korea may test-fire a long-range ballistic missile.
The two sides reached the accord earlier this month and intend to install the weapons as early as possible, a Defence Agency spokeswoman said on condition of anonymity, citing agency rules. The plan will put Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles - designed to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles or enemy aircraft - on U.S. bases in Japan for the first time.

The Defence Agency spokeswoman said sites and timing for the deployment have not yet been decided.

But a local newspaper reported the U.S. military would deploy three or four of the surface-to-air missile batteries on the southern island of Okinawa by the end of the year and send an additional 500 to 600 U.S. troops there. Up to 16 missiles can fit in a single PAC-3 battery, according to the system's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Corp.

The plan was proposed by U.S. officials during a June 17 meeting in Hawaii, Japan's largest newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported, quoting unidentified government officials.

The two countries signed an agreement in 2005 allowing Japan to produce PAC-3 missiles for deployment during fiscal 2006 at Japanese bases, but the plan to deploy them on U.S. bases is apparently separate.

Recent intelligence reports have said North Korea may be fuelling a Taepodong-2, one of its most advanced missiles believed capable of reaching parts of the United States, at a launch site on the country's northeastern coast, sparking concerns Pyongyang may soon test-fire one.

The North had maintained a self-imposed moratorium on such launches since 1999. The United States, Japan and other countries have urged North Korea to halt any plans to test the missile, while Pyongyang has insisted it has the right to do so if it chooses.

Diplomacy aimed at defusing the standoff gathered pace. South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon was travelling Monday evening to Beijing on a two-day visit to seek China's co-operation in halting any North Korean launch.

"There is a growing need to intensify discussions between South Korea and China on North Korea's recent missile issue and the nuclear issue," the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

© The Canadian Press, 2006