(VOVworld) - Japan on Monday issued an order for its self-defense forces to shoot down any projectile heading toward the country's territory, in anticipation of potential missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Japan deploys PAC-3 interceptor on the ground of the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo on August 8, 2016 (Photo: Kyodo/ VNA)

 
The order issued by Defense Minister Tomomi Inada is apparently aimed at ensuring that the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are ready to intercept projectiles at any time as the use of mobile launch pads could make North Korea's missile launch preparations difficult to detect in advance. Defense Minister Inada’s readiness order will be renewed every three months.