Yonhap News Agency:
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) — The defense ministry on Tuesday returned to its original plan to deploy seven batteries of surface-to-air Cheolmae II missile interceptors after having indicated it could be scaled back.
The ministry said that to build capabilities to counter North Korea’s missile threats and strengthen the foundation for the country’s defense exports, it decided to stick to the original plan for the deployment expected to occur from 2021-2023.
Last month, Defense Minister Song Young-moo said his ministry is considering carrying out the deployment plan in two phases, while hinting that the second phase could be scrapped should there be a new, better weapons system that can replace the Cheolmae II.
His remarks sparked a flurry of speculation that the minister, a retired admiral, is seeking to reduce the deployment plan in line with ongoing inter-Korean peace efforts or to introduce other missile systems that can be run by the Navy.
