TOKYO: Japan’s government yesterday approved the introduction of the US military’s land-based Aegis missile interceptor system, beefing up its defence against “serious” and “imminent” North Korea threats, reports AFP. The regime in Pyongyang has fired two missiles over Japan this year and has threatened to “sink” the country into the sea. Last month, North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that plunged into the waters of Japan’s exclusive economic zone. “North Korea’s nuclear and missile development has entered a new stage of threat that is more serious and imminent to our country’s security,” the government said as it endorsed the introduction of Aegis Ashore at a cabinet meeting.