US Navy 'tracking' ship arrives at Japan port prior to N. Korea missile test: Report
Date
2/3/2016 11:06:36 PM
(MENAFN- Asia Times) USNS Howard O. Lorenzen
US Navy officials have not given a reason for the Lorenzen’s docking at Sasebo. But a local activist group 'RIMPEACE' says that it is part of a US-Japan response to “North Korea's planned missile launch.'
The Lorenzen is a missile range instrumentation ship equipped with large radar capacity to track missiles and rockets. The US Navy uses the ship to monitor the capability of domestic and foreign missiles.
Japanese DefenseMinister Gen Nakatani on Wednesday ordered ballistic missile defense units including Aegis destroyers in the Sea of Japan and Patriot missile batteries onshore to be ready to shoot down any North Korean rocket that threatens Japan’s security.
Japan’s decision to put its military on heightened alert comes after North Korea told the United Nations it plans to launch a satellite as early as next week a move that could advance Pyongyang’s long-range missile technology following its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6.
South Korea said earlier on Wednesday that the planned satellite launch was really a plan to launch a long-range missile and warned that the North will pay a “severe price” if it goes ahead.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.