ID :
51729
Sun, 03/22/2009 - 14:38
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/51729
The shortlink copeid
U.S. destroyers stay behind ahead of imminent missile launch
SEOUL, March 22 (Yonhap) -- Two U.S. Aegis destroyers are continuing operations
in Korea's East Sea despite the end of their joint exercise with South Korean
forces in apparent preparation to intercept North Korea's long-range missile
expected to be launched early next month, a South Korean official said Sunday.
North Korea has said it will launch April 4-8 a communications satellite, but the
U.S. believes it will be a test of the country's long-range ballistic missile and
has threatened to intercept any missiles fired from the communist nation.
"I understand two Aegis destroyers, including USS John McCain, will continue to
stay in the East Sea in apparent preparation for the North's missile launch," the
official said, asking not to be identified.
USS John McCain is a 9,200-ton Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer,
which is equipped with the Aegis combat system that allows it to simultaneously
track over 100 targets from more than 190 kilometers.
The destroyer also carries a multiple number of Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), which
makes up the backbone of the United States' naval missile defense or MD system.
Pyongyang has notified the international aviation organizations of its launch
plans in an apparent attempt to legitimatize what it says will be a satellite
launch.
Dennis Blair, head of the U.S. National Intelligence, has said that whether North
Korea launches a long-range ballistic missile or a satellite differs little as
there is no difference between the technologies used to launch the two.
Gen. Victor Renuart, commander of the U.S. Northern Command and the North
American Aerospace Defense Command, last week said the U.S. is well capable of
shooting down any North Korean ballistic missile.
North Korea says any attempt to intercept its missile will lead to serious
consequences, including the outbreak of a war.
Washington currently maintains some 27,000 U.S. troops in South Korea, but no
missile defense capabilities as Seoul has refused to take part in its MD system.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
in Korea's East Sea despite the end of their joint exercise with South Korean
forces in apparent preparation to intercept North Korea's long-range missile
expected to be launched early next month, a South Korean official said Sunday.
North Korea has said it will launch April 4-8 a communications satellite, but the
U.S. believes it will be a test of the country's long-range ballistic missile and
has threatened to intercept any missiles fired from the communist nation.
"I understand two Aegis destroyers, including USS John McCain, will continue to
stay in the East Sea in apparent preparation for the North's missile launch," the
official said, asking not to be identified.
USS John McCain is a 9,200-ton Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer,
which is equipped with the Aegis combat system that allows it to simultaneously
track over 100 targets from more than 190 kilometers.
The destroyer also carries a multiple number of Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), which
makes up the backbone of the United States' naval missile defense or MD system.
Pyongyang has notified the international aviation organizations of its launch
plans in an apparent attempt to legitimatize what it says will be a satellite
launch.
Dennis Blair, head of the U.S. National Intelligence, has said that whether North
Korea launches a long-range ballistic missile or a satellite differs little as
there is no difference between the technologies used to launch the two.
Gen. Victor Renuart, commander of the U.S. Northern Command and the North
American Aerospace Defense Command, last week said the U.S. is well capable of
shooting down any North Korean ballistic missile.
North Korea says any attempt to intercept its missile will lead to serious
consequences, including the outbreak of a war.
Washington currently maintains some 27,000 U.S. troops in South Korea, but no
missile defense capabilities as Seoul has refused to take part in its MD system.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
