Japan's defences ready if North Korea launch causes 'unexpected situation' -Kishida

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday the Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyers and PAC-3 missile defence stood ready to deal with any "unexpected situation" that may arise from North Korea's planned satellite rocket launch.

"Even if the purpose is to launch a satellite, using ballistic missile technology is a violation of a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions," Kishida told reporters.

"It is also a matter that greatly affects national security."