Following the launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi will meet with US Defense Secretary Austin on the phone on the night of the 26th to strengthen the deterrence and coping power of the Japan-US alliance against North Korea's provocation. Therefore, we have confirmed that we will work closely together.
Minister Kishi also revealed that one of the shots launched on the 25th is estimated to be ICBM = intercontinental ballistic missile class.
In a telephone meeting, Minister Kishi said that ballistic missile launches immediately after the Japan-US summit meeting and the quad summit meeting of the four countries of Japan, the United States, Australia and India are obvious provocations and are absolutely unacceptable.
They also strongly condemned North Korea's series of ballistic missile launches as violating UN Security Council resolutions and threatening the peace and stability of the international community, and working closely to strengthen the deterrence and coping power of the Japan-US alliance. We confirmed that we will cooperate and promote cooperation in the three countries including South Korea.
After the meeting, Minister Kishi told reporters that the ballistic missile launched at around 5:59 am on the 25th was estimated to be ICBM-class, and may be of the same type as the one launched on February 27, etc. It was revealed that there was an analysis.
Regarding the joint flight of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the US military fighter plane over the Sea of Japan on the 25th, Minister Kishi said, "I was able to show the immediate response and close cooperation of the Japan-US alliance both inside and outside the country. We will continue to strengthen the Japan-US alliance and show how we can act together. "