U.S. Troops in S.Korea Step Up Missile Defence Drills Amid Signs of N.Korea Test

U.S. forces stationed in South Korea said on Tuesday they have enhanced the intensity of exercises for their Patriot missile air defense system amid signs that North Korea might soon conduct another long-range missile test.

Tension on the Korean Peninsula has been growing amid speculation that North Korea could test its largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as soon as this week at full range, after threatening to break a self-imposed 2017 moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear testing.

U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said its air defense artillery brigade stationed in the Osan air base has recently increased the intensity of its certification exercise to demonstrate its capabilities following North Korea’s recent missile tests.

“DPRK’s significant increase in its missile testing activity undermines peace, security and destabilizes the Northeast Asia region,” USFK said, using the acronym of North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “While this type of training is routinely conducted by U.S. Patriot batteries … its increased intensity of its certification underscores the seriousness USFK takes against the DPRK’s recent missile launch behavior,” USFK said.

A spokesman for South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it was also closely monitoring North Korea’s movements and maintaining a robust combined readiness posture with the U.S. military.

The U.S. military in Japan on Tuesday flew its RC-135S Cobra Ball spy aircraft over the Korean Peninsula, a day after sending an RC-135V Rivet Joint reconnaissance plane, the Yonhap news agency said, citing a flight-tracking website.