US Forces in S.Korea Replace 'Expired' THAAD Missiles

The United States brought new interceptor missiles to replace expired ones in US THAAD missile defense base in South Korea’s Seongju on Friday.

"The new missiles are of the same type as what USFK currently operates. As the mission is to replace expired ones, the number of new ones is exactly the same as that to be taken out of the base," a ministry official was quoted as saying by Yonhap today.

Power equipment, multiple guided missiles, generators, electronic equipment for data collection and other items to improve the living conditions of troops stationed there, such as construction material for their residential facilities, were also transported to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) base, South Korean defense ministry said.

The official also noted that this transport mission has nothing to do with US' project to improve seven of its THAAD batteries, inclusive of the one in Seongju. The US has sought $1 billion budget for next year for the project.

"USFK periodically conducts vehicular resupply and support missions to its formations and installations across South Korea," USFK said in a statement sent to Yonhap News Agency.

The operation took place as United States Forces Korea (USFK) asked for Seoul's support for ground transport, and the ministry decided to provide support after discussions with relevant ministries, according to the officials.