Japan to Upgrade PAC3 Interceptor Missiles

Japan's Defense Ministry says it will start upgrading its ground-based PAC3 interceptor missile system amid North Korea's launches of ballistic missiles. 
Japan has deployed the surface-to-air Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC3 system, along with SM3 interceptor missiles on Aegis destroyers, when North Korea has shown signs of launching a ballistic missile. 
Japan's Defense Ministry says it will start upgrading the PAC3's radar and launcher from fiscal 2017. The move comes in response to North Korea's repeated launches of ballistic missiles since earlier this year, according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) radio. 
The enhancement will increase the range of the interceptors, which are currently said to be in the dozens of kilometers and improve their ability to simultaneously intercept multiple incoming missiles. 
It will also improve the PAC3's tracking capability and enable a quicker response against cruise missiles. 
Japan's Defense Ministry says it will seek a budget for the enhancements in the fiscal year starting next April and aims to complete the upgrade in about five years.

Soruce : QNA