On the first anniversary of North Korea's surprising launch of a three-stage missile over Japan, Defense Agency chief Hosei Norota said Tuesday that Pyongyang is not yet ready to fire another one any time soon.
"Judging from our analysis compiled from U.S. and South Korean (military intelligence) sources, we consider at the moment that the launch is not imminent," Norota said.
He dismissed speculation that Pyongyang might again fire a Taepodong-type missile on Aug. 31, exactly one year after the day when North Korea claims it "successfully put a satellite into orbit" with what it called a multistage rocket.
While maintaining that preventing Pyongyang's further missile testing through talks is most important, Norota said that the Defense Agency will remain ready for any possible scenario.
Three of the nation's four destroyers equipped with the Aegis weapons system are on alert for any projectiles fired by North Korea, Norota added.