US, Japan Agree on Missile Defense System

Intended to help prevent possible attacks from North Korea

The United States and Japan have agreed to place a new missile defense radar system on Japanese territory to defend against a ballistic missile threat from North Korea.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Japanese counterpart Satoshi Morimoto announced the deal Monday after a meeting in Tokyo.

Panetta said the X-band radar is meant to protect Japan as well as the U.S. homeland. He stressed the system is not directed at China.