Reflecting Japanese jitters over terrorism, a defense ministry official has warned that a small privately developed rocket could be used for a terrorist attack.
The 5-foot-long CAMUI-type rocket was developed by the Hokkaido Aerospace Science and Technology Incubation Center, based in Sapporo. It is able to travel 3,000 feet into the air and may soon be made commercially available.
At a vice-ministerial meeting Thursday, Defense Agency Vice Director General Hiroshi Imazu warned that the rocket could be used for terrorist attacks if fitted with detonators and explosives.
However, Economy, Trade and Industry Senior Vice Minister Hachiro Okonogi said its use would be monitored in accordance with existing regulations on explosives and gas safety.
Construction and Transport Senior Vice Minister Kuniomi Iwai also said the ministry would take appropriate measures under the Civil Aeronautics Law, reported the Yomiuri Shimbun Friday.
