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Seoul and the surrounding region are home to about half of South Korea’s population, and are within range of North Korean weapons, be they ballistic missiles or their medium-range rocket launchers.
Late last year the government’s defense blueprint called for the development of a “Korean-style Iron Dome” that could defend Seoul. Also read: South Korea hopes to develop submarines with Indonesia
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said that a committee led by Defense Minister Suh Wook finally approved the project.
The defense system is expected to be completed around 2035 and will cost $2.6 billion. Also read: KSAD Sends 20 Kopassus Soldiers for Joint Exercises with South Korean Special Forces
“Through this project, it is hoped that the ability to respond to enemy long-range artillery threats will be strengthened, as well as secure domestic technology and create domestic jobs,” he said, as reported by Reuters on Monday (28/6/2021).
South Korea’s defense ministry says its defense system is designed to target North Korea’s increasingly capable short-range ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, the new system aims to protect against long-range artillery and multiple rocket launchers.
(ian)
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