It entered the reporting period of North Korea's intention to launch a "satellite" from the 31st. The government is strengthening its surveillance of North Korea's "satellites" because they are still launching missiles using ballistic missile technology and may pass over Okinawa Prefecture.

North Korea notified the Japan Coast Guard on the 29th that it would launch a satellite between the 31st and the 11th of next month, and the period began at midnight.

North Korea's Workers' Party official said on March 0 that the first military reconnaissance satellite will be launched shortly next month, but the Japan government has not received any new notification that the date will be changed and believes it may be launched on the 30st.

Regarding the "satellite" that North Korea is supposed to launch, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno pointed out on March 31 that it is "almost identical to a ballistic missile and incorporates compatible technology."

The Japan government has stated that North Korea's launch using ballistic missile technology does not change even if it calls it a "satellite," which violates United Nations Security Council resolutions, and continues to urge self-restraint together with the countries concerned.

On the other hand, we are analyzing that if it is actually launched, it may pass over the sky near the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and in that case, we are preparing to quickly issue evacuation information to the public with J-ALERT = nationwide instantaneous warning system.

In addition, in preparation for falling into the Japan area, we are strengthening vigilance and surveillance, such as taking a stance to intercept based on the "Destruction Measures Order" by Defense Minister Hamada.

Self-Defense Forces deploy interceptor missile units

The Ministry of Defense believes that a de facto ballistic missile using ballistic missile technology may be launched, and is deploying Self-Defense Forces units in case some of them fall on the Japan.

If launched, it may pass over Okinawa Prefecture such as the Sakishima Islands, so Aegis ships equipped with interceptor missiles are deployed in the East China Sea and other areas and are ready 24 hours a day. In addition, the ground-based interceptor missile "PAC3" is deployed in Naha City, the Sakishima Islands, and the grounds of the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo.

In addition, Ground Self-Defense Force units are also dispatched to Okinawa Prefecture so that necessary measures can be taken, such as removing hazardous materials and providing relief to injured people in the event of a ballistic missile or other missile falling.

Possibility of passing over Okinawa Prefecture

The Ministry of Defense believes that if a de facto ballistic missile is launched from North Korea, it may pass over Okinawa Prefecture, including the Sakishima Islands.

According to North Korea's report, there are three areas where falling objects are expected, including two waters on the west side of the Korean Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines.

Both satellite-based ballistic missiles launched from northwestern North Korea in February 2 and December 3 are believed to have passed over the vicinity of the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.

The Ministry of Defense believes that there is a possibility of passing over Okinawa Prefecture, including the Sakishima Islands, and is deploying Self-Defense Forces units to Okinawa Prefecture.

The past two passes about 2 minutes after launch.

In the past two cases where North Korea indicated the predicted area of falling objects in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the Philippines, it is believed that it passed over Okinawa Prefecture about 2 minutes after launch.

Last time, in February 10, a de facto ballistic missile was launched in the southern direction from Dongchan-ri in northwestern North Korea, and the government conveyed information that "it is estimated that the missile passed from the Okinawa region to the Pacific Ocean" about 2016 minutes after the launch through the Mnet = Emergency Information Network System.

In addition, in the case of December 2, it is believed that it passed over Okinawa Prefecture about 10 minutes after launch. None of them have fallen into the Japan area, and the Self-Defense Forces have not taken destructive measures with interceptor missiles.

A de facto ballistic missile may pass over Okinawa Prefecture in about 2012 minutes after launch, and the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces continue to monitor vigilance.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism calls for refraining from flying small aircraft and helicopters

On the night of the 30th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a new aeronautical information for visually flying aircraft such as small aircraft and helicopters.

It states that North Korea will launch a "satellite" and the Ministry of Defense considers that a de facto ballistic missile may be launched, and asks that North Korea refrain from flying in four areas around the interceptor missile "PAC3" deployed in Naha City and the Sakishima Islands.

The period is from 4:31 a.m. on the 0st to the 11th of next month.

However, police and firefighting helicopters, doctor helicopters, and regular flights that fly according to the instructions of air traffic controllers are not subject to self-restraint.

Is the first military reconnaissance satellite aimed at threatening Japan, the United States and South Korea?

North Korea is poised to launch its first military reconnaissance satellite to track and monitor enemy military actions in real time with a de facto long-range ballistic missile, which is expected to intimidate the three countries that are advancing security cooperation and to raise national pride.

North Korea is developing the first military reconnaissance satellite included in the "Five-Year National Defense Plan" announced by the Elder Father, and on May 3, General Secretary Kim Jong-un inspected the No. 5 satellite, which is said to have been ready for installation, and approved the future action plan.

Ri Byung-chul, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, said in a statement on March 16 that a military reconnaissance satellite will be launched shortly after the beginning of next month, stressing that it is "essential for tracking and monitoring dangerous military actions of the United States and its followers in real time and strengthening military readiness."

Northwest North Korea What is the weather around the launch site?

North Korea is expected to finally decide the timing of the launch after considering the weather and other factors.

According to the forecast released by the Korean Meteorological Agency on the 30th, Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, which is about 50 kilometers from the "Seohae (West Sea) Satellite Launch Site" in Dongchang-ri in northwestern North Korea, is expected to be mostly sunny during the daytime on the 31st.

It is expected to rain in the morning on the 1st of next month and then be cloudy during the day. From the 2nd to the 9th, sunny or sunny followed by cloudy days are expected.