US troops in South Korea step up missile defence drills amid North Korea test signs
- US Forces Korea says its air defence artillery brigade at the Osan airbase has intensified exercises following recent missile tests by North Korea
- There is growing speculation the North could test its largest intercontinental ballistic missile as soon as this week, at full range
US forces stationed in South Korea said on Tuesday they have enhanced the intensity of exercises for their Patriot missile air defence system amid signs that North Korea might soon conduct another long-range missile test.
Tension on the Korean peninsula has been growing amid speculation North Korea could test its largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as soon as this week at full range, after threatening to break a self-imposed 2017 moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear testing.
US Forces Korea (USFK) said its air defence artillery brigade stationed in the Osan airbase has recently increased the intensity of its certification exercise to demonstrate its capabilities following North Korea’s recent missile tests.
“DPRK’s significant increase in its missile testing activity undermines peace, security and destabilises the Northeast Asia region,” USFK said, using the acronym of North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“While this type of training is routinely conducted by US Patriot batteries ... its increased intensity of its certification underscores the seriousness USFK takes against the DPRK’s recent missile launch behaviour,” USFK said.