U.S. Navy in Japan to equip two vessels with missile interceptors

The U.S. military plans to equip two warships deployed in Japan with advanced weaponry that can intercept incoming ballistic missiles, a news report said Sunday, as the two countries strengthen their missile defense cooperation amid regional tension over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

The U.S. Navy will set up launch pads for SM-3 missiles and adjust radar equipment for two vessels deployed at the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, a business daily reported, without citing sources. SM-3 missiles are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

The upgrade work will begin in Hawaii and the U.S. mainland before the end of the year, it said.

The only vessel on the base that is currently equipped with SM-3 missiles is the USS Shilloh.

The two vessels set for upgrades will be redeployed at Yokosuka as early as next spring, according to the report.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy said it will replace a frigate with a guided-missile destroyer at Yokosuka.

Missile defense has been an agenda-topping issue for Japan's military following North Korea's ballistic missile test in July. Concerns were only heightened with the North's test of a nuclear weapon on Oct. 9.

Japan also plans to introduce SM-3s on its own destroyers over the next few years. In September, the U.S. military activated a high-powered radar outpost in northern Japan that will enable it to track ballistic missiles in the region.

Officials at Yokosuka naval base were not available for comment Sunday. (AP)

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