Japan threatens to shoot down North Korea space rocket which it fears is ballistic missile

The country has insisted its space programme is peaceful – but it is believed it is a part of a bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike the US and one day even Britain.

Now Japan has vowed to shoot down the missile if it enters into its airspace as prime minister Shinzo Abe dubs the plan a "serious provocation".

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he is prepared to work with America against the dumpy dictator to stop him testing missiles while pretending he is launching missiles.

Meanwhile anti-missile defences are being deployed to major cities such as the capital Tokyo amid fears missiles could soon be raining down on Japan. 

North Korea is under sanctions for its nuclear and missile programmes.

As reported in Daily Star Online, the space programme has also raised fears of North Korea's ability to spy on its enemies – including Britain. 

The US and South Korea are seeking fresh sanctions after its latest nuclear test.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said the UN needed to "send the North Koreans a swift, firm message".

But the secretive state has said it has a right to continue its space programme by launching rockets, despite the staunch opposition.

South Korea told its bitter rivals they will pay a "severe price” if it continues its long-range missile testing.

North Korea informed the International Maritime Organisation of its plans on Tuesday.

A spokeswoman from the IMO said: "We have received information from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea regarding the launch of an earth observation satellite 'Kwangmyongsong' between 8-25 February.”

The satellite would be able to carry a long-range rocket, according to officials.

It comes just weeks after North Korea claimed it successfully tested a Hydrogen bomb - which it says can wipe out America in one go.

Experts believe the most recent threats are the country’s first moves in building an intercontinental ballistic missile.

(dailystar.co.uk)