Japan's Patriot ballistic missile interceptors could be swiftly deployed if the defense minister gives the order, the top officer of the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) said on Friday.

At a press conference, ASDF Chief of Staff General Kenichiro Hokazono made the remarks in response to rumors that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is likely to test-fire intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Once the order is issued, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) guided missiles could be moved for deployment within three hours, said Hokazono.

The PAC-3 units will be deployed to northeastern Japan and areas in and around Tokyo to shoot down possible rocket fragments if the DPRK launches the missile.

Talking about the possibility of Pyongyang's test-firing of the ballistic missile, Hokazono said that Japan must make preparations on the assumption that the DPRK will do what it has said.

The DPRK appears to be preparing for a long-range missile test as an intercontinental ballistic missile was recently spotted on a cargo train near Pyongyang, South Korea media have reported. And the launch could possibly be scheduled for mid-June.

Source: Xinhua