PYEONGTAEK, South Korea — The United States is set to deploy ground-based launchers capable of firing advanced missiles in the Indo-Pacific region as part of its strategy to address growing security concerns.
According to Yonhap News Agency, During a recent visit to South Korea, Gen. Flynn disclosed to Yonhap News Agency at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek that the U.S. Army has developed "long-range precision fires" systems, specifically mentioning the SM-6 interceptor and the maritime-strike Tomahawk missiles. This marks the first official confirmation of the deployment of such weapons systems to the region within the year, although the exact locations and timing remain undisclosed.
The SM-6, with a range exceeding 240 kilometers, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles, while the Tomahawk cruise missile can target locations approximately 2,500 kilometers away. Speculation suggests that the ground-based Typhon system, operated by the U.S. Army since last year, could be the platform for these missile types. Guam has been mentioned as a potential deployment site, highlighting the strategic significance of the move, which represents the first such deployment in the region since the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
The decision follows the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019, attributed to alleged Russian treaty violations. In the wake of China's assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. has accelerated the development and deployment of new intermediate-range missiles to bolster regional security.
Gen. Flynn's comments came amidst concerns over North Korea's recent missile tests, including the launch of a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Hwasongpho-16B. Despite these developments, Flynn expressed confidence in the alliance's "integrated and layered missile defense system" to counter potential threats.
The deployment also addresses concerns regarding North Korea's arms supply to Russia amid the Ukraine conflict, potentially advancing Pyongyang's weapons capabilities through collaboration with Moscow. Flynn noted the significance of monitoring North Korean contributions to the conflict and their implications for regional security.
Amid these challenges, Flynn commended the South Korean Army's participation in multinational exercises with the U.S. and its allies, underscoring the strategic message it sends to the region, particularly in countering China's influence. Reflecting on the enduring military alliance between the U.S. and South Korea, Flynn, whose father also served in South Korea, acknowledged the significant progress and deep-rooted cooperation that have characterized the bilateral relationship over decades.