Japanese Warship Captain Set to Counter N. Korean Missiles

North Korea is increasing its missile capabilities that pose a growing threat to Japan, which has deployed sea-based missile defenses as a key element of its military forces, the commander of one of Japan’s four Aegis-equipped missile defense ships says.

“North Korea presents a real threat and it has been hostile in its behavior and its words,” said Capt. Yasuhiro Sato of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces.

Sato is commanding officer of the JS Kirishima, one of four Kongo-class destroyers armed with the U.S.-made Aegis Battle Management system and outfitted with SM-3 anti-missile interceptors.

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