US agrees to longer-range missiles for South Korea
The US and South Korea reached an agreement that will more than double the range of South Korea's ballistic missiles. The move is expected to startle up the North Korean government.
Chun Young-woo, top secretary to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak for foreign and security affairs, speaks to reporters at the presidential Blue House compound in Seoul October, 7. South Korea has reached a landmark agreement with the United States to extend the range of Seoul's ballistic missiles by more than twice the current limit to counter the threat from North Korea.
Yonhap/Reuters
Seoul
South Korea has reached a landmark agreement with the United States to extend the range of Seoul's ballistic missiles by more than twice the current limit to counter the threat from North Korea, the government said on Sunday.
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The move to significantly boost the South's missile capabilities along with development of advanced aerial reconnaissance vehicles is likely to rattle the communist North, which has remained at odds since the 1950-53 Korean War left the peninsula divided.
It may also stoke concern in China, Japan and Russia, parts of which would be within range of the new missiles.
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Under the agreement, South Korea can develop missiles up to a range of 800 kms (497 mile) from the current ceiling of 300 kms (186 mile), Chun Young-woo, top secretary to President Lee Myung-bak for foreign and security affairs, told reporters.
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