South Korea has begun deploying Patriot Advanced Capability 2 missile defense batteries at air force bases and other locations around the country, the Korea Times reported today (see GSN, June 27, 2006).
The PAC-2 systems are one component of Seoul's planned air and missile defense network system, which would provide protection against short- and medium-range missiles launched by North Korea (see related GSN story, today). The network would also involve Aegis systems deployed on three destroyers.
Seoul intends to begin preliminary operations of its independent missile shield by 2010, with full operations expected within the subsequent two years following deployment of a ballistic missile early warning radar.
"The German PAC-2 systems have recently been delivered to South Korea's air force and are being deployed at air force bases and other sites," a South Korean military source told the newspaper.
Among the sites to receive PAC-2 systems are Yeongjongdo Island, an air force installation in Suwon and Mount Hwangbyeong in the Gangwon Province, another source said.
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration in 2007 approved the purchase from Germany of 48 used PAC-2 systems with launch modules, missiles and radar. Seoul also plans to buy U.S.-made ground-control technology for two Patriot battalions (Jung Sung-ki, Korea Times, Sept. 16).