Japan plans to improve its defense against North Korean nuclear and missile threat within five years through modernization of Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missile system, local media reported Wednesday. Modernization will begin next year and will include missiles of increased range and the ability to hit several targets simultaneously, the source in the military told NHK TV channel.

Japan defends from North Korean missiles using the US-supplied PAC-3 systems, warships equipped with Aegis interception system and SM3 missiles.

By the spring of 2017, Japan together with the United States plans to finalize the SM3 Block 2A missile, which development has been launched in 2006. Combat deployment of these missiles was initially scheduled for 2018.

Tensions over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs escalated after Pyongyang said on January 6 that it had successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test and put a satellite into orbit on February 7. The moves violated UN Security Council resolutions, and prompted the United Nations as well as the United States to impose sanctions.

US to Work Closely With S Korea, Japan After Latest N Korean Missile Launch
The US authorities will continue to work closely with counterparts in Japan and South Korea after the failed intermediate-range ballistic missile launch by North Korea, US Strategic Command spokesperson Martin O'Donnell told Sputnik.

"The men and women of US STRATCOM, NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] and US Northern Command, and US Pacific Command remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and are fully committed to working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to maintain security," O'Donnell stated.

Tensions over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs escalated after Pyongyang said on January 6 that it had successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test and put a satellite into orbit on February 7, violating UN Security Council resolutions and triggering condemnation from the international community in both cases.

Source: Sputnik News