Japan ready to shoot down any N. Korean missiles seen as threat

Japan plans on shooting down any ballistic missiles fired by North Korea that could potentially hit the island nation.

A government source said Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera put out the order, which will remain in place through April 25, reports Reuters. That date is the anniversary of the founding of the North Korean army.

North Korea launched two Rodong missiles in late March which traveled about 400 miles (650 km) and fell into the sea. Japan said that the mid-range ballistic missiles are capable of flying as far as 1,300 km. The launch coincided with a meeting between the two Asian countries along with South Korea and the United States over North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

China's state news agency Xinhua reports that Japan moved an Aegis-equipped SDF destroyer into the Sea of Japan, prepared to fire upon any missiles launched by North Korea that are deemed a threat to hit Japanese soil.

The issued the order quietly to keep the North Korea in the dark about Japan's missile detection capabilities, according to local media.