The US has begun deploying the THAAD system in South Korea.

(Baonghean.vn) - On March 7, the South Korean Ministry of Defense announced that the United States has begun the process of deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea to counter the growing threat from North Korea.

The US has begun deploying THAAD in South Korea, despite opposition from the South Korean public as well as from China. Photo: AP

According to the ministry, on March 6, two mobile launchers of the aforementioned missile interceptor system, along with other equipment, were transported by a US C-17 aircraft to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul. THAAD includes six mobile launchers, 48 ​​interceptors, one X-band radar, and a control system. Local media reported that the launchers and components of various devices were transferred to an unspecified base of the US Forces in Korea (USFK).

US and South Korean defense officials announce the deployment of THAAD. Photo: Yonhap

Meanwhile, the U.S. Pacific Command stated that the deployment of the THAAD system “contributes to a multi-layered missile defense system, as well as strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance’s defense against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. Pyongyang’s increased ballistic missile and nuclear weapons tests pose a threat to international peace and security and violate a range of UN Security Council resolutions.”

The U.S. Pacific Command emphasized that the deployment of THAAD is aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities and does not pose a threat to other countries in the region.

The deployment of the US THAAD system in South Korea is expected to be completed within the next 1-2 months and will become operational as early as April.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP and Yonhap)