North Korea: US Deploys Missile Defence System To South Korea

A missile defence system, Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD) have arrived in South Korea, according to American and South Korean defence forces.

The deployment announcement was made on Tuesday, a day after North Korea test-launched four ballistic missiles into the sea near Japan.

Admiral Harry Harris, head of the US Pacific Command, said in the statement that "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".

The plans to deploy THAAD within this year have angered not only North Korea, but also China and Russia, which see the system's powerful radars as a security threat.

China responded quickly, saying it would take "necessary measures" to protect itself and warning that the US and South Korea should be prepared to bear the consequences.

The US and South Korea say the system is defensive and not meant to be a threat to China or Russia.

THAAD can intercept and destroy short- and medium-range ballistic missiles during the last part of their flights, according to the US military.

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