A Japanese navy ship is due to intercept a separating missile target in a bilateral ballistic missile defense test off Hawai'i next month.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency said yesterday the target will be fired from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua'i. The Chokai will shoot it down over the Pacific Ocean.

The agency didn't say when the test would be held.

Last December, Japan became the first U.S. ally to shoot down a mid-range ballistic missile from a ship when the Kongo intercepted a nonseparating target off Hawai'i.

Separating targets are more difficult to shoot down because the interceptor must distinguish between the target's warhead and booster.

U.S. Navy ships have already intercepted separating ballistic missile targets.