The Pentagon declared on Monday that the second North Korean launch of an intercontinental missile could convince South Korea within four weeks to deploy a complete THAAD missile battery.
South Korea has allowed the US Army to install two launchers Terminal High Altitude Area Defense on an old golf course south of Seoul, but South Korean President Moon Jae-in has delayed the placement of a full battery (six pitchers) pending an "environmental study" (no deadlines).
The Pentagon claims that the North Korean launch last Friday modified the peninsula safety calculations, requiring the immediate installation of a complete THAAD battery.
The THAAD system was not specifically designed to neutralize the ICBM threat (InterContinental Ballistic Missile), but hit-to-kill kinetic energy is seen as a vital deterrent against the short-range and medium-range North Korean missile arsenal.
China and Russia have opposed the spread of THAAD in South Korea due to the related presence of powerful radars capable of monitoring their military activities in the region.
President Donald Trump used it Twitter to criticize China in recent days for failing to use its economic leverage to curb North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, however Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has attenuated the tones by not saying that China is responsible for the situation. Tillerson surprise also asserted that the United States is open to talks with North Korea to relieve tensions on the peninsula, in accordance with the South Korean government's diplomatic approach.
Analysts doubted, until recently, about the real development capabilities of an ICBM capable of hitting the United States with a nuclear warhead.
The official North Korean news agency said President Kim saw the latest launch with "great satisfaction". The North Korean Foreign Ministry warned the United States not to pursue further military sanctions or actions, pending a "resolute act of justice."
(photo: Missile Defense Agency)
Also read: "The Trump's Missile Umbrella on the 38 ° parallel"
