Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
South Korea's defense reform for this year includes pre-emptive contingency plans to
suppress North Korea. This strategy includes both military and non-military
measures. Our defense ministry correspondent Kim Hyun-bin
reports. What is eye catching about this year's defense
reform is that it includes plans to allow South Korea to pre-emptively strike North
Korea if Pyongyang is about to attack. Previously Seoul's response was limited to
local provocations, but the pre-emptive strike capability adds a whole new strategic level
in dealing with Pyongyang's provocations. This includes striking North Korea's missile
and nuclear facilities in the early stages, using the so-called "Kill-Chain" system.
Under international law, a country that conducts a pre-emptive strike could be blamed for starting
the war. With that in mind, South Korea's defense ministry
says the preemptive strike concept used here would be seen as collective self-defense under
international standards. Pyongyang is expected to react strongly to
the new reform, but the ministry emphasized that it's to reduce damage and prevent Pyongyang
from taking additional provocative measures.
"Our main focus is to simultaneously prepare for North's asymmetric power, local and all-out
war scenarios."
In addition, the military plans to merge two of its three army headquarters and set up
a Ground Operations Command. The new command will have more air support
from the newly enhanced Air Force Air Support Operations Center and the army corps commander
will have the authority to call in an air strike.
"The corps commanders commanding system was simplified with computer networking systems
and we are able to fight off our enemy in real-time."
The military plans to deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, state of the art multiple rocket
launchers and other high-tech gadgetry to maximize South Korea's defense capability
on the border. Kim Hyun-bin, Arirang News.