Japan intercepts ballistic missile in space test

18/12/2007 -- 1:02 PM

Tokyo (VNA) – Japan claimed success in a test on December 17 to intercept a target in space using a US-made ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii, Japanese Defence Ministry has said. The test of the high-tech Standard Missile 3 was the first by a country other than the US, according to Kyodo news. Experts say the success marks a major step forward for Japan in the buildup of its missile shield, which was accelerated after the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched missile tests last year. But they also voiced concern that it could affect the balance of military capabilities in East Asia that includes China and Russia, the Japan’s news agency said. The SM-3 is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles outside of the earth's atmosphere.- Enditem
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