Japan Press Weekly

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2008 January 16 - 22 [SDF]

Defense Ministry conducts studies on possible PAC-3 launch site in central Tokyo

The Defense Ministry on January 14 brought equipment composing Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) interceptor missile launchers to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in central Tokyo and carried out a study to check if the place is suitable for launching the missiles.

This is the first time for the ministry to conduct such a study in Tokyo. The Defense Ministry is reportedly already planning to conduct PAC-3 launching exercises in sites such as the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ichigaya and the Harumi Pier Park. Local residents and peace organizations have expressed opposition to the ministry plan.

The ministry conducted the study to check if the availability of space and range of vision is suitable for firing the missile as well as the viability of establishing communication links with other SDF facilities.

Military vehicles loaded with radio relay equipment, antenna masts, and power generators were mobilized from the Takeyama Base in Kanagawa Prefecture and other SDF bases.

PAC-3 missiles were deployed last year to the SDF Iruma Base in Saitama Prefecture in March and the Narashino Base in Chiba Prefecture in November.