South Korea's Defense Ministry has decided to temporarily install four additional launchers of the U.S. THAAD antimissile system on Thursday, making the six-launcher battery fully operational.

The ministry said on Wednesday that it made the decision together with the U.S., adding the four launchers will be deployed with U.S. construction equipment and resources to augment the THAAD site in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

The U.S. Forces Korea brought in key equipment of the THAAD battery, including two launchers, to Seongju on April 26th. The four remaining launchers have been on standby at an unidentified U.S. base in South Korea, pending the alliance’s decision.

The ministry said the four remaining launchers are being deployed to respond to the growing threat from North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

President Moon ordered officials to consult with the U.S. on the temporary deployment of the four additional THAAD launchers, following the North’s launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile on July 28th. 

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