Interceptor missile used at the Japan-U.S. test

The test aimed to check how well a Japanese-designed nose cone separated from a U.S.-designed interceptor missile. It was the first U.S. missile defense flight test to use Japanese parts.

Both countries' militaries are adopting the technology to shoot down enemy ballistic missiles amid worries about North Korea's development of long-range missiles and nuclear weapons.

Under a bilateral agreement signed in December, Japan is responsible for building nose cones and rocket engines for the SM-3 interceptors, and paying about one-third of the $3 billion cost of the project.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 18, 2006
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