South Korea to step up missile defence after North nuclear test

South Korea said on Wednesday it would accelerate the development of longer-range ballistic missiles that could cover the whole of North Korea in response to a third nuclear test by Pyongyang.

“We will speed up the development of ballistic missiles with a range of 800 kilometres,” Defence Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told reporters.

In October, South Korea reached a deal with the United States to almost triple the range of its missile systems – with Seoul arguing it needed an upgrade to counter the North’s missile and nuclear programmes.

The United States has 28,500 troops in South Korea and guarantees a nuclear “umbrella” in case of any atomic attack. In return, Seoul accepts limits on its missile capabilities.

Prior to the October agreement, the South was restricted to missiles with a range of 300 kilometres.

The extension will not only bring the whole of North Korea within reach of Seoul’s rockets, but also parts of China and Japan.