South Korea To Accelerate Missile Development To Match North’s “Asymmetric” Weapons

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) plans to accelerate the development two key missile systems, the Kill Chain and Korean Air and Missile Defence to detect and intercept missiles coming from the North.

DAPA Minister Chang Myoung-j was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency that he was paying “special attention” to the core weapon system of the Kill Chain besides the personnel needed  to operate it.

The Kill Chain is South Korea's ambitious project to develop an indigenous missile defense system.

Besides, the DAPA will concentrate on upgrading the country's Patriot missiles and developing long-range ground-to-air missiles.

Seoul has been jolted by a recent claim by North Korea that it had tested a hydrogen bomb. Its immediate reaction is to install the missile defense systems ahead of the original schedule of 2023. It is not known how much earlier than schedule the system would be installed and the current development status.

Following the hydrogen bomb claim last month the two Koreas have accelerated their “loudspeaker” wars where they broadcast propaganda against one another. The North has also been dropping leaflets from hot air balloons.