Just one day after North Korea test-fired four ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, U.S. missile launchers and other equipment needed to set up the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system arrived in South Korea.
The video released by the Department of Defense shows two of the truck-mounted launchers arriving at Osan Air Base in South Korea after being carried by a C-17 Globemaster.
Plans to deploy THAAD have become controversial as China, Russia and North Korea have voiced their opposition to the system’s placement, which they see as a threat to their national security. China believes THAAD’s advanced radar system could be used to spy on their country.
The United States and South Korea say the system is strictly defensive and will not be a threat towards China or Russia.
The United States and South Korea pushed for the need for such technology as North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests are becoming more frequent.
“Continued provocative actions by North Korea, to include yesterday’s launch of multiple missiles, only confirm the prudence of our alliance decision last year to deploy THAAD to South Korea,” Adm. Harry Harris, commander, US Pacific Command, said in a statement.
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