North Korea Deploys More Anti-Aircraft Missiles

North Korea has increased the number of anti-aircraft missiles deployed near the capital in preparation for potential attacks by U.S. and South Korean planes, a report said March 7.

The number of SA-5 surface-to-air missiles with a maximum range of 300 kilometers (190 miles) sited near Pyongyang rose from two in 2000 to 40 in 2010, Yonhap news agency said, quoting a Seoul military source.

During the same period, the number of SA-3 missiles, which offer a short-range defense against low-flying aircraft, jumped to 140 from seven, it said.

The number of SA-2 missiles with a range of 48 kilometers increased to some 180 from 45 in 2000, Yonhap said, adding the North also had about 12,000 portable anti-aircraft missiles.

"In case of contingency, we could hit deep into the enemy territory only if we neutralize the North's surface-to-air missiles, radar systems and long-range rocket launchers," the source was quoted as saying. "Our top priority is to introduce combat capabilities to secure command of the air."

The South's defense ministry declined to confirm the report.


Source: 06 March 2012 - Defense News

Photo: North Korean SA-5 (Photo by dailyairforce.com)

(7.03.2012)