KBS World Radio:
South Korean defense experts have claimed that discussions on the possible deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery on the Korean Peninsula could begin if North Korea conducts a fourth nuclear test next year.
Kim Doo-seung, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, assessed during a defense policy forum held at the Defense Ministry that South Korea, the U.S. and Japan could launch discussions on THAAD deployment next year as a means to address North Korean threats.
Seol In-hyo, a senior researcher of the defense institute, said the possibility of THAAD talks reemerging in the event of North Korea conducting a fourth nuclear test cannot be ruled out.
Kim Jina, another senior researcher, said signs of new excavation work at the North’s Punggyeri nuclear test site signify that the North is determined to carry out, not only its fourth nuclear test, but also additional nuclear tests.
Kim also forecast that the North will focus on boosting its aerial strength next year to neutralize the South’s Korea Air and Missile Defense system and Kill Chain, a preemptive strike apparatus to detect nuclear and ballistic missile launches.
