S. Korea receives upgraded U.S. Patriot missile interceptor
SEOUL, Dec. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Air Force has received an upgraded version of the U.S. Patriot missile defense system in a move to boost the country's air defense capabilities, the arms procurement agency said Saturday.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration said the Patriot Advanced Capability 3, or PAC-3, with direct attack missiles and upgraded ground handling equipment was handed over to the Air Force in November.
"To better cope with the recent increase in missile threats, we completed the upgrade and delivery in November in close collaboration with the U.S. government and involved companies, some 10 months faster than originally planned," the agency said in a release.
The upgraded missile defense system is capable of directly hitting the enemy's missile, thus better neutralizing it and reducing potential damage on the ground, officials said.
The new ground system is equipped with a radar capable of monitoring distances twice as far as the current PAC-2 operated by the South Korean military, with improved ability to handle information and communications.

This file photo, provided by the arms procurement agency on Dec. 12, 2020, shows the Patriot missile defense system. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

This image, provided by the arms procurement agency on Dec. 12, 2020, shows the Patriot missile defense system. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(URGENT) S. Korea's science minister confirms space rocket Nuri's launch success
-
Three indicted in massive stock manipulation case
-
(3rd LD) Passenger opens door of Asiana Airlines plane before landing at Daegu airport
-
BTS' J-Hope completes basic training for military service
-
(6th LD) S. Korea successfully launches space rocket Nuri in major milestone for space program
-
N. Korea's aircraft maintenance activity at 'unusual' level: 38 North
-
(LEAD) Asiana Airlines plane's door opens right before landing at Daegu Airport
-
S. Korea to send delegation to Europe for talks on stronger economic, biz ties
-
(2nd LD) S. Korean experts to inspect radioactive water storage tanks, purification system at Fukushima plant
-
(2nd LD) S. Korean experts begin on-site inspection of Fukushima nuclear plant
-
Man who opened plane door says he wanted to get off quickly: police
-
U.S. military stages 'Elephant Walk' training with F-16 fighters
-
(2nd LD) Arrest warrant issued for man who opened plane door mid-air
-
(LEAD) S. Korea steps up diplomatic efforts to win U.N. Security Council seat
-
Anticipated Korean blockbusters to check out this summer