The U.S. is considering deploying its advanced Patriot missile defense system near Tokyo after North Korea's recent missile and nuclear tests, a newspaper reported Sunday. Washington unofficially informed the Japanese government it is considering putting Patriot Advanced Capability 3 surface-to-air interceptor missiles around Yokota Air Base in Tokyo's western suburbs and around Yokosuka Naval Base, south of the capital, the Nihon Keizai newspaper reported without saying how it got the information. The added defenses would cover critical U.S. military installations on the outskirts of Tokyo, the Associated Press reported. The move would be part of a previously announced U.S.-Japanese effort to deploy PAC-3 missile defense systems around the country as the two allies look for ways to counter what is seen as a growing threat from neighboring North Korea.
