(VOVworld) - Japan has canceled an order for the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to prepare to intercept ballistic missiles launched toward the country from North Korea. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani had on Monday ordered the installation of missile interceptors amid indications North Korea might be preparing for a fresh launch. But with Pyongyang suspected to have botched the launch of a Musudan intermediate-range missile on Tuesday morning, the order was canceled based on the lack of an immediate threat to Japanese territory.

The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 surface-to-air guided interceptors were deployed at the Defense Ministry premises in Tokyo on May 30 (Photo: Kyodo/ VNA)

SDF personnel began removing Patriot Advanced Capability-3 surface-to-air guided interceptors from the Defense Ministry premises in Tokyo’s Ichigaya district and two other SDF locations near the capital.