Japan’s decision to consider using its missile defense system to intercept North Korean ballistic missiles is apparently not a new development.

Speaking to reporters after a Friday Diet meeting, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said Tokyo is prepared to use its missile defense capabilities to combat a possible North Korean missile launch.

Under Japan's missile defense system, if the North launches a missile in Japan’s direction, Tokyo will first attempt to intercept using artillery from its Aegis-class destroyers. If this fails, it will resort to ground-based Patriot missiles.