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Korean military to deploy additional THAAD launchers on Sept. 7

Korean military to deploy additional THAAD launchers on Sept. 7

Posted September. 07, 2017 07:34,   

Updated September. 07, 2017 08:05

한국어
The South Korean military plans to install four more Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) rocket launchers at a U.S. missile defense base in Seoungju, North Gyeongsang Province. The move comes after President Moon Jae-in ordered a temporary deployment of the remaining launchers on July 28, a day after North Korea launched the inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-14. The installation would complete the deployment of a THAAD battery (six rocket launchers, a fire control and communications unit) in six months after the first batch of equipment including two launchers arrived in South Korea through the U.S. air base in Osan, Gyeonggi Province in March.

According to the South Korean military, around 20 large trucks carrying four THAAD launchers and support vehicles will be moved to the Seongju base early Thursday. The military has reportedly requested police cooperation on concerns over protests from local residents and anti-THAAD activists. “We plan to inform local residents and media of our plans and schedule for the deployment,” a military official said.

The U.S. Forces Korea plans to start a construction project to reinforce the base for stable operation of the THAAD equipment as soon as the installation is completed. The project includes replacing the support base of the launchers with concrete structures and building power installations, roads and quarters for troops on the base.

In a telephone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Monday, President Moon said that Seoul would quickly complete the THAAD deployment. “The deployment of THAAD launchers demonstrates the strong alliance commitment against Kim Jong Un’s nuclear threats including the sixth nuclear test,” a military official said.



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