US begins deploying THAAD system in South Korea

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

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

According to the ministry, on March 6, two mobile launchers of the above-mentioned missile interceptor system and some other equipment were transported by a US C-17 aircraft to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul. THAAD includes 6 mobile launchers, 48 ​​interceptors, 1 X-band radar and a control system. Local media reported that the launchers and parts of many devices were transferred to an unidentified base of the US Forces Korea (USFK).

US-South Korean defense officials announce THAAD deployment. Photo: Yonhap

Meanwhile, the US Pacific Command said the THAAD deployment “contributes to a multi-layered missile defense system and strengthens the US-ROK 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 multiple UN Security Council resolutions.”

The US Pacific Command emphasized that the deployment of THAAD is to enhance defense capabilities, and does not pose a threat to other countries in the region.

It is expected that the deployment of US THAAD in South Korea will be completed in the next 1-2 months and will be operational from April./.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP, Yonhap)