Aegis Destroyer to Have Ballistic Missiles
The Navy is considering boosting the capabilities of the nation's first Aegis-class destroyer.
The destroyer King Sejong the Great, which was launched in May, is currently equipped with SM-two ship-to-air missiles with a range of 148 kilometers. The Navy is considering an upgrade to SM-six missiles that can reach up to 400 kilometers.
With the upgrade, the Navy says the ship will be able to intercept North Korean ballistic missiles.
Experts say the existing SM-twos are limited in their interception ability, while the SM-sixes will be able to reach those coming from higher and farther away.
A military official was quick to add, however, that the move should not be misunderstood as signaling Seoul's intent to participate in the U.S.-led Missile Defense (MD) system.
The Defense Ministry says the government should carefully consider costs, as well as the overall military and diplomatic situation, before deciding on the MD issue.
The presidential transition committee said the government will also have to consider inter-Korean relations and strategic situations of other countries concerned.
The U.S.-led missile defense system aims at intercepting high-altitude ballistic missiles. Seoul has been reluctant to join the program due to opposition from North Korea, China and Russia.
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