TOKYO: Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Monday that the country will boost its defense capabilities against North Korean missiles.

At a press conference, Kato said that the Japanese government is looking into details a new intercontinental ballistic missile and other weapons that North Korea showcased at a military parade on Saturday.

Noting that Japan’s current missile defense system is not sufficient in countering some of the new North Korean weapons, Kato said, “We’ll strengthen our comprehensive air defense capabilities against missiles.”

Some experts have said that the new ICBM may have a longer range than conventional weapons and can carry multiple warheads.

At the parade, a submarine-launched ballistic missile was unveiled for the first time. SLBMs are known to be difficult to intercept as signs of a launch are very hard to detect.

“We’ll do everything we can to analyze related information and carry out surveillance activities while working closely with the United States and other countries,” Kato said.

JIJI Press