Edition

Seoul Declines Joining U.S.-Led Missile Defense

IN THIS ISSUE: Seoul declines joining US-led missile defense, Pentagon to develop anti-satellite weapons, Air Force sidelines 17 ICBM officers, US officials discussing release of classified missile defense data to Russia, France not aiming for nuclear zero, S. Africa to construct new nuclear power plants.

Published on May 9, 2013
 

Seoul Declines Joining U.S.-Led Missile Defense

Kim Eun-jung | Yonhap News Agency

Park

The defense ministry on Thursday ruled out South Korea's participation in the American-led missile defense system, saying it will focus on developing its own program to defend itself from North Korea's missile threats.

Whether to join a U.S.-led missile defense system involving ground-based interceptors and the X-band radar has been a prickly issue in South Korea, as it could spur a regional arms race involving China and further contribute to mounting costs in the national missile program.   Full Article



Follow the Nuclear Policy Program
RSS News Feed Facebook Twitter
Footer information begins here
More from Proliferation News


Andrea Shalal-Esa | Reuters
Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on Tuesday said the U.S. military had launched a "long overdue" effort to safeguard U.S. national security satellites and develop ways to counter the space capabilities of potential adversaries.     Full Article

Stars and Stripes
The Air Force stripped an unprecedented 17 officers of their authority to control - and, if necessary, launch - nuclear missiles after a string of unpublicized failings, including a remarkably dim review of their unit's launch skills. The group's deputy commander said it is suffering "rot" within its ranks.     Full Article

Washington Post
The head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency says that the Obama administration has discussed declassifying key data on U.S. missile defense in order to provide it to Russia. The administration has been exploring how to ease Russian concerns that the U.S. missile defense shield is aimed at countering Russia’s nuclear arsenal.     Full Article

Frank Klotz | National Interest
Despite earlier reports about possible cuts in order to save money, the white paper reaffirms long-standing policies on the fundamental purpose and composition of French nuclear forces.     Full Article

Ventures Africa
The South African government has signalled intent to pursue construction of a new nuclear power plants (NPPs) and increase the amount of nuclear-generated electricity in the country to 9.6 GW by 2030, a cabinet Minister said on Wednesday.    Full Article

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.