The United States tentatively approved the sale of the SM-6 surface-to-air interceptor missile to Korea on the 14th (local time). The SM-6, known as the ‘Patriot of the Sea’, is a multi-purpose missile that can intercept North Korean aircraft, ballistic missiles, as well as hypersonic missiles. When installed on our military’s next-generation Aegis ships, which will be deployed from 2025, our anti-North Korea missile defense capabilities are expected to be greatly strengthened.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSC) under the U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement on this day, “The Department of State has approved the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of SM-6 Block 1 missiles and related equipment worth $650 million (approximately KRW 846 billion).” “This sale will enhance South Korea’s threat response capabilities while strengthening interoperability with the United States and other allies,” he said. The maximum interception altitude and range of SM-6 are 35 km and 460 km, respectively. It has an active guidance system that tracks targets with its own radar and the ability to engage simultaneously.
On this day, North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a solid fuel engine to be used in a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Korean Central News Agency released related photos, saying that the first and second stage engine tests for IRBM were conducted on the 11th and 14th, respectively. The news agency claimed, “Extremely satisfactory results were achieved,” and “the reliability and stability of our design and manufacturing technology in the field of high-power solid fuel motors (engines) were clearly verified.” North Korea previously test-fired the Hwasong-18, a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. This time, it appears that the Hwaseong-18 type solid fuel propellant has been modified and a new IRBM is on the verge of completion. The new IRBM can strike not only the Korean Peninsula but also Guam, the launch base for U.S. strategic assets. Solid fuel missiles are capable of surprise launches and are difficult to detect before launch.
Military reporter Sang-ho Yoon [email protected]
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.