By Phil Stewart
TOKYO, April 6 Reuters) – the United States two more destroyers equipped with missile defense systems will provide after Japan until the year 2017 in a movement, said Defense Minister Chuck Hagel was a response on Sunday partly on North Korean missile launches which have alarmed the region.
Tensions have been building between North Korea and its neighbors since Pyongyang--in an apparent show of defiance - fired two Rodong missiles on March 26, as well as the leaders of Japan, South Korea and the United States were to discuss which contains North Korea's nuclear threat sit.
"In response to Pyongyang's pattern of provocative and destabilizing actions..." I can say today that the United States is planning two more AEGIS ballistic missile defense ships after Japan forward-deploy "hail at a press conference in the Defense Ministry of Japan said.
The move brings America's Japan-based fleet ballistic missile capable of seven defence ships.
Pyongyang's firing of mid-range missiles able meet Japan was followed by a series of short-range missile launches over the past two months. The Nodong ballistic missiles into the sea fell, about 650 km (400 miles), less than a maximum range fly thought to about 1,300 km, Japan said.
Since then North Korea has fired artillery rounds into South Korean waters and prompt in the South returned fire. South Korea has test-fired a new ballistic missile with a range of 500 km. and the nuclear test Pyongyang threatens an unknown "new form".
"This step significantly strengthen our naval presence is another action that strengthens our Alliance and increase deterrence against North Korean aggression", said Hagel.
Hail, said that the US deployment of additional destroyers his decision followed last year a second X-band missile defense radar in Japan for position. Radar is expected to be operational this year.
It follows also his decision to increase ground base missile defense system in Alaska.
"Follow these steps to improve our ability to defend, both in Japan and in the US Homeland from North Korean ballistic threats" hail said. (Additional reporting by Nobuhiro Kubo; (Editing by Michael Urquhart)
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