Zacs-Master: "Self defence?"
Unlike Kim Jong-in, Donald Trump is not mad enough to use US ICBMs as first strike, after all who (except Kim Jong-in) wants areas around South Korea, Japan, China, Philippines being contaminated with nuclear fall-out?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39775854 reported, “The US military says its controversial Thaad missile defence system is now operational in South Korea. However, Mr Geng welcomed Mr Trump's suggestion of meeting Kim Jong-un, saying China had "always believed that dialogue and consultation... is the only realistic and viable way to achieve denuclearisation". A spokesman for the US forces based in South Korea said Thaad now had "the ability to defend the Republic of Korea”. But the system only has "initial intercept capability", a US defence official told AFP. It will be strengthened later this year as more parts of the system arrive”.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39775854 continues, “What is the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (Thaad)?
:: Shoots down short and medium-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of their flight
:: Uses hit-to-kill technology - where kinetic energy destroys the incoming warhead
:: Has a range of 200km and can reach an altitude of 150km
:: US has previously deployed it in Guam and Hawaii as a measure against potential attacks from North Korea
What impact will S Korea's expanded missile defence system have?
1. The enemy launches a missile
2. The Thaad radar system detects the launch, which is relayed to command and control
3. Thaad command and control instructs the launch of an interceptor missile
4. The interceptor missile is fired at the enemy projectile
5. The enemy projectile is destroyed in the terminal phase of flight
The launcher trucks can hold up to eight interceptor missiles”.