Japan deploys Patriot III anti-aircraft missiles on islands close to Taiwan

Japan will deploy Patriot III anti-aircraft missiles on Yonaguni Island, just 111 kilometers from Taiwan’s east coast, purportedly in response to North Korea’s long-range ballistic missiles, according to reports in Japanese media outlets today, Monday, May 8.

Major Japanese media outlet Jiji Press reported that Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno announced today that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force will deploy Patriot III (PAC-3) anti-aircraft missiles at the Air Self-Defense Miyako Base in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture. In addition, PAC-3 missiles will also be deployed by the Ground Self-Defense Force garrisons on Ishigaki Island and Yonaguni Island.

[See previous article: Japan Establishes New Military Outpost Near Taiwan ]

Matsuno said that the deployments are to ensure Japan’s peace and security. According to Japanese media reports, the deployments are “mainly in response to North Korea’s long-range ballistic missiles.” However, in recent months there has been an increase in Chinese air and sea movements in the Miyako Strait, and the air and sea space between Yonaguni Island and Taiwan. Just six days ago, May 2, Japan’s Air Self-Defense force scrambled fighter aircraft in response to a Chinese reconnaissance drone that flew between Yonaguni Island and Taiwan.

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