Pyongyang Notifies Japan Of Planned Satellite, as Neighbour Readies Ballistic Missile Defences

Pyongyang has sent notice of its plans to launch a satellite in a few days. 

The notice, which was delivered early Monday is, according to Associated Press, AP, viewed as an attempt by Pyongyang to put its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit. 

According to Japan's coast guard which said it received the notice from North Korea's waterway authorities, the launch window is between May 31 to June 11.

The Coast Guard added that the launch may affect water in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea or that of the east of the Philippines' Luzon Island.

However, Japan's coast guard issued a safety warning for ships in the area, warning them to be mindful of the said dates given the risk from falling debris.

Meanwhile, Japan on Monday, placed its ballistic missile defences on the alert in apparent reaction to the notice. It warned that it would shoot down any projectile that threatened its territory

"We will take destructive measures against ballistic and other missiles that are confirmed to land in our territory," Japan's defence ministry warned in a statement.

Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, explained that the launch is a violation of U.N. resolutions, insisting that it is a “threat to the peace and safety not just of Japan but also the region and the international community as a whole. 

Specifically, Japan's Defense Minister, Yasukazu Hamada, ordered the country’s Self Defense Force to shoot down the satellite or debris in the event that it entered any part of the Japanese territory.

According to him, it is possible for the satellite to enter or pass above southwestern Japanese islands, including Okinawa, which houses US major military bases and thousands of troops.

Immediate neighbour, South Korea, also issued its own warning on Monday, noting that North Korea would face dire consequences if it goes ahead with its launch plan in violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions which bans Pyongyang from conducting any launch, using ballistic technology.

“Our government strongly warns North Korea against a provocation that threatens peace in the region and urges it to withdraw its illegal launch plan immediately,” a ministry statement said. It said South Korea will cooperate with the international community to resolutely cope with any North Korean provocation.

Pyongyang said it has completed its first military spy satellite, adding that its leader, Kim Jong Un has, has approved final preparations for the launch.