Final date for deployment of THAAD launchers expected within the year

Posted on : 2017-08-15 16:52 KST Modified on : 2017-08-15 16:52 KST
Defense Minister also rates chances of North Korean strike near Guam as ‘very low’
Defense Minister Song Young-moo answers questions at a hearing of the National Assembly Defense Committee on Aug. 14.  (Shin So-young
Defense Minister Song Young-moo answers questions at a hearing of the National Assembly Defense Committee on Aug. 14. (Shin So-young

Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo said on Aug. 14 that a date for deployment of four additional launchers for the US Forces Korea THAAD system “has not been set,” but added that the ministry would “hurry to ensure that the temporary deployment is completed within the year at least.”

Song’s remarks before the National Assembly National Defense Committee came in response to a question from Liberty Korea Party lawmaker Chung Jin-suk on whether the THAAD deployment would be taking place by the end of 2017.

“For now, a date has not been set, but we anticipate it will be sooner than that,” Song replied.

At the same time, he reiterated that the final decision on the THAAD deployment would be “made once the regular environment impact assessment is complete.”

Song also rated the chances of North Korea following through on its announced plan to strike near Guam as “very low.” On the question of whether the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) signed by South Korea and Japan in Nov. 2016 would be maintained, Song said it was “too early to judge right now,” adding that it would “remain in operation for another year, after which we will make a determination on its necessity next year.” The GSOMIA has an effective period of one year, which is automatically extended if neither side gives advance notice of its intention to back out.

By Park Byong-su, senior staff writer

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