U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says that U.S. and Japanese officials have agreed to put a missile-defense system in Japan.
The U.S. already has similar early warning radar systems on ships in the Asia-Pacific.
The exact location of the new system reportedly has not yet been determined.
But officials stressed on September 17 that the radar system is aimed at protecting the region against the threat from North Korea, and is not directed at China.
The second, Japan-based system will allow ships to spread out and cover other parts of the region.
Russia has consistently opposed U.S. plans for a possible European-based missile-defense system.
The U.S. already has similar early warning radar systems on ships in the Asia-Pacific.
The exact location of the new system reportedly has not yet been determined.
But officials stressed on September 17 that the radar system is aimed at protecting the region against the threat from North Korea, and is not directed at China.
The second, Japan-based system will allow ships to spread out and cover other parts of the region.
Russia has consistently opposed U.S. plans for a possible European-based missile-defense system.