Seoul
In a recent visit to the Army Missile Strategic Command in Wonju, South Korea’s Defence Minister, Shin Won-sik, emphasized the imperative for continuous military readiness against potential provocations from North Korea. Having assumed office in October, Shin regards this command as a pivotal component of South Korea’s three-axis deterrence system. Maintain a readiness posture at all times to immediately operate world-class, long-range, high-precision, and high-power missiles when given the task, he instructed the troops during his visit. Furthermore, he stressed the need for an immediate and forceful response if provoked by North Korea, considering the heightened tensions following the North’s abandonment of the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement. Shin outlined the three-axis deterrence system, encompassing the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation plan, aimed at incapacitating North Korean leadership; the Kill Chain pre-emptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Describing the Army Missile Strategic Command as a key unit in this system, he urged troops to firmly punish any provocations from the North. The visit coincides with increased tensions after North Korea’s disregard for the 2018 agreement and its recent vow to reinstate all military measures. This move followed Seoul’s partial suspension of the agreement in protest of North Korea’s launch of a military spy satellite on November 21.
