Japan has ordered its armed forces to prepare for the possible launch of a North Korean missile. Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada instructed troops to “take necessary measures to limit damage in the event of a ballistic missile strike,” according to a statement today. North Korea recently announced, without giving a date, that it would launch its first military spy satellite.
According to the UN, this is considered a covert missile test and is prohibited for Pyongyang. North Korea had already tested ballistic missiles in 2012 and 2016 under the pretext of satellite launches.
Both missiles flew over the Okinawa region of Japan. Japanese media reported Saturday that the Defense Ministry issued the same preparation orders in 2012.
