Japan, Us Vessels Simulate Response To Ballistic Missile Launch
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and a carrier strike group of the US Navy have held a simulation to respond to a ballistic missile launch.
The Japanese force and the strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln have been engaged in a joint drill in the Sea of Japan.
The MSDF says its destroyer Kongo, equipped with the Aegis advanced radar system, took part in the simulation held for two days until Thursday with the destroyer USS Spruance and the cruiser USS Mobile Bay.
Personnel on the vessels reaffirmed how to share information in case of a ballistic missile launch.
The simulation was conducted as North Korea has been firing ballistic missiles at an unprecedented pace since the start of the year.
The exercise is believed to have been aimed at deterring Pyongyang, as observers expect more launches.
The MSDF says a Chinese intelligence-gathering ship entered the Sea of Japan after the US carrier strike group deployed in the waters.
Japanese Defense Ministry officials say the ship is navigating around the aircraft carrier.