United States open to bigger, more powerful South Korea missiles

The United States is considering a change that would permit ally South Korea to develop bigger and more powerful ballistic missiles.


Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said the United States is in discussions with South Korea on increasing the size of warheads that could meet the challenges of North Korea's improved missile performance, South Korean newspaper Korea Economic Daily reported Tuesday.

Missiles in South Korea's arsenal have limits on warhead size and range, but the United States supports expanding Seoul's defense capabilities, Davis said.

Current guidelines for South Korean missiles were established in October 2012, under the Obama administration.

The measures allowed Seoul to develop ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 miles, up from 186 miles in the last agreement.

Permitted payload, however, stayed at 500 kilograms.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in recently asked U.S. President Donald Trump to allow for a payload of up to 1,000 kilograms, Yonhap reported.
 [upi.com]
8/8/17