Japanese Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto ordered Japan's Self-Defense Force to destroy any wreckage from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) rocket if it falls into Japanese territory Friday, reported by local media.
The Japanese government held a security meeting involving Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and other cabinet members on discussing how to deal with DPRK's long-range rocket lunch.
"All the preparations will be completed one day before the earliest launch date," Morimoto said at a news conference.
"Japan is ready to lunch something during the 13-day-period from next Monday in case the Japanese people's safety is threatened," said Japanese media. Three units of ground-based Patriot Advance Capability-3 interceptors have been installed at three places including Defense Ministry in central Tokyo and areas near the capital.
DPRK has announced that it plans to launch a three-stage rocket between December 10 and 22 to put a satellite into orbit.
The launch is seen as a test of a long-range ballistic missile in disguise, with The United States and its allies calling the launch plan a "grave provocation."
This would be DPRK's second launch under leader Kim Jong Un, who took power following his father Kim Jong Il's death nearly a year ago. The country's previous attempt in April ended in failure.
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