Japan's Defense Minister: N.korea Has Developed Small Nuclear Warheads
Japan's Defense Minister says he believes North Korea has developed small nuclear warheads designed to fit on ballistic missiles that could reach the country.
Hamada Yasukazu made the remark on Thursday at a Diet committee meeting to discuss North Korea's series of missile launches.
Hamada said North Korea has made considerable progress with its nuclear weapons program. The defense minister said he believes the North has miniaturized warheads that can be mounted on medium-range ballistic missiles, such as the Nodong and Scud-ER, which can reach Japan.
Hamada said it has become increasingly difficult to detect signs of the launches of ballistic missiles and shoot them down.
He added that he is giving realistic consideration to the issue, and is not ruling out any options, including the acquisition of counterstrike capabilities.
Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa told the meeting that Japan will aim for the denuclearization of North Korea through the full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He said Japan will achieve this goal by working with the United States, South Korea, and other members of the international community.