S. Korea moves Patriot missile unit to central Seoul
SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has moved a Patriot missile unit from a southeastern region to central Seoul, sources said Tuesday, as part of efforts to better defend key facilities from potential threats from North Korea.
The Air Force unit, which previously was stationed in North Gyeongsang Province, was relocated to a former military installation at Mount Bukak behind the presidential office compound earlier this month, according to the sources.
The unit is believed to be equipped with PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles designed to intercept incoming aircraft and missiles at altitudes of around 20-40 kilometers.
Starting in 2017, the military had pushed for the relocation one of its Patriot missile units to beef up the defenses of central and northern areas, as a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense battery in the southern county of Seongju was able to protect the south.
North Korea has been focusing on advancing its conventional weapons. It demonstrated new types of ballistic missiles last year capable of reaching most parts of South Korea, including its version of Russia's Iskander and the U.S.' Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(Yonhap Interview) Fintech startup AIM aims to bring professional wealth services to ordinary investors
-
N.K. leader declares victory in fight against COVID-19: state media
-
7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years
-
(2nd LD) 7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years
-
(LEAD) PPP approves leadership shift, names interim leader
-
(Yonhap Interview) Fintech startup AIM aims to bring professional wealth services to ordinary investors
-
7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years
-
(5th LD) 8 dead, 7 missing in record rainfall in Seoul, surrounding areas
-
(LEAD) 7 dead, 6 missing in heaviest rainfall in 80 years
-
(2nd LD) Samsung heir Lee granted special presidential pardon
-
Bank's refusal to open account for foreigner with long name 'discriminatory': rights watchdog
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
(LEAD) S. Korea's new COVID-19 cases below 100,000 for 1st time in 7 days
-
S. Korea expresses deep regret over Japanese PM's offering to war shrine