Japan has decided to maintain its defense readiness against any incoming missiles after the launch window declared by North Korea in late May expired at midnight between Saturday and Sunday.

On May 29, Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu ordered the Self-Defense Forces to destroy any incoming ballistic missiles that are likely to fall within Japanese territory.

Hamada issued the order following Pyongyang's notification that it would launch what it called a military reconnaissance satellite between May 31 and June 11.

The order was due to expire at the end of Sunday, but it has been extended.

Hamada made the decision because North Korea said it would conduct a second launch after the first one failed on May 31.

Under the extended order, Maritime Self-Defense Force Aegis destroyers will continue to be deployed in the East China Sea. The vessels are equipped with advanced radar systems and SM3 interceptor missiles.

Land-based PAC3 systems are also on standby in Okinawa Prefecture. They have been installed at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Naha and Yonaguni camps, the Air Self-Defense Force's base on Miyako Island, and at Ishigaki port on Ishigaki Island.

Defense ministry sources say the deployment on Ishigaki Island may be relocated due to an arrangement with local authorities.

They add that Ground Self-Defense Force personnel will continue to be dispatched to Okinawa to ensure the security of the PAC3 systems. They also say the SDF is prepared to remove hazardous objects, rescue injured people and take other necessary measures if a missile lands in Japanese territory.