Rattled By North Korean Test, Japan Steps Up Missile Defense

A mobile missile launcher in western North Korea moved into position, probably trundling out of a hiding place. The crew prepared the vehicle’s liquid-propellant ballistic weapon, then fired. It flew about 1,000 km (600 mi.) and landed closer to Japan than any previous North Korean missile. And Japan’s defenses seem to have been caught entirely by surprise. Rattled by that Aug. 3 test, Tokyo has issued a standing order to its armed forces to shoot down foreign missiles. (aviationweek.com) Más...