US to deploy THAAD anti-missile battery in ROK in 8-10 months: commander
The commander of US forces in the Republic of Korea (ROK) said on November 4 a US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system battery would be deployed to ROK within eight to 10 months.
 |
The official was commenting on a Yonhap news agency report on remarks made by Vincent Brooks, commander of United States Forces Korea, in which he laid out plans for the deployment.
Brooks said rotating strategic weaponry onto the Korean peninsula would have a deterrent effect against DPRK provocations, according to the agency. He also said the battery would be bigger than one deployed in Guam.
The official could not confirm Brook's comment on rotation, but said the US and ROK governments are currently in discussions for such strategic weaponry deployment.
In September, two US B-1 bombers flew over the ROK in a show of force and solidarity with its ally following the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s fifth nuclear test.
Washington and Seoul have agreed to deploy the THAAD system in the ROK to protect against the DPRK threats. China was angered by the decision as its worries that the system's powerful radar can see into its territory.
The ROK has said it plans to have THAAD operational by the end of next year at the latest.
