[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Additional Deployment of THAAD Launchers... Location?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Regarding Robert Abrams, Commander of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) and Combined Forces Command (CFC), stating that two additional ballistic missile defense capabilities will be added within this year, the USFK clarified on the 12th that this does not mean the introduction of new equipment.

Commander Abrams said at the House Armed Services Committee hearing on the 10th (local time), "The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is developing a total of three specific capabilities," adding, "One is already in South Korea, and the other two will be added this year, which will dramatically improve our ballistic missile defense capabilities."

Peter Lee, USFK spokesperson, responded to reporters' inquiries about Abrams' remarks by saying, "Commander Abrams' mention of 'new capabilities' does not imply the deployment of new equipment or units to South Korea." He further explained, citing operational security restrictions, "These capabilities will enable us to maintain a high level of 'Fight Tonight' readiness and ensure a robust combined defense posture."

The Ministry of National Defense also sent a text message to reporters on the same day, stating, "The South Korean and U.S. defense authorities have not discussed the deployment of additional missile defense assets on the Korean Peninsula," and "Today, the USFK officially confirmed that the commander's remarks do not mean the additional deployment of new equipment or units on the Peninsula."

The Ministry of National Defense added, "The USFK's missile defense system is a defensive force to protect the safety of our people and the military strength of the ROK-U.S. alliance from North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," and "The commander's remarks are assessed as an explanation of the ongoing process to continuously supplement and develop the USFK's missile defense system to respond more effectively to the increasingly sophisticated North Korean threats."

Following various overinterpretations of Commander Abrams' remarks the previous day, the ROK-U.S. military authorities stepped in to clarify. Some evaluations suggest that this may be related to performance upgrades of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system temporarily deployed in Seongju, Gyeongbuk.

If Abrams' remarks imply performance upgrades, the launchers at the Seongju base could be relocated to new bases or additional launchers brought in to integrate with the battery at Seongju. The U.S. is conducting an upgrade project to convert wired connections between batteries and launchers to wireless and integrate them with existing Patriot systems.

John Hill, Director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (Navy Vice Admiral), said at the Department of Defense's 2021 fiscal year budget briefing in February last year, "If THAAD launchers and batteries can be separated, it would provide great flexibility on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "Batteries could be placed further back, radars moved back, and launchers placed in front or additional launchers brought in."

If the U.S. adds THAAD launchers, locations such as Chilgok in Gyeongbuk, Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi, Busan, Eumseong in Chungbuk, Wonju in Gangwon, and Gunsan in Jeonbuk, which were considered during the completion of the Seongju base, are likely candidates.

At the time of THAAD introduction, Chilgok in Gyeongbuk was the most likely candidate site. Chilgok is an area where U.S. strategic materials are stockpiled, with a significant need for protection due to the possibility of enemy Scud missile attacks. It is located outside the range of North Korean long-range artillery and has the advantage of relatively fewer residents.

Pyeongtaek, home to a large U.S. military base, is also a possibility. However, while Pyeongtaek can defend the Seoul metropolitan area, it is within the range of North Korea's latest 300mm multiple rocket launchers with a maximum range of 200 km, which is a weakness. Wonju is advantageous for defending the metropolitan area but is considered less likely due to the potential concentration of North Korean artillery attacks.

Chungbuk Eumseong, where the Army Missile Command is located, is also considered a candidate for THAAD deployment, but the absence of a USFK base there is noted. Busan Gijang is a strategic point where U.S. reinforcements would arrive in an emergency and thus requires protection, but the high population density is expected to spark controversy.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has revealed that it has allocated $49 million (approximately 58 billion KRW) in next year's defense budget for construction costs related to the THAAD unit deployed in Seongju, Gyeongbuk, and has discussed the possibility of cost-sharing with the South Korean government. It is known that the principle so far has been that the U.S. bears the cost of THAAD deployment. Accordingly, if the U.S. requests cost-sharing from South Korea through the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) negotiations, controversy may arise.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.