Background
Geostrategic position of the Republic of Korea is difficult because of the proximity to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea which is rapidly developing its ballistic missile program as well as weapons of mass destruction program.
The Republic of Korea is to a great extent dependent on the US security guarantees.
Current Developments
Because of the rising threat from Democratic People’s Republic of Korea the country expressed its interest in joining the US missile defense shield. It is also interested in research and development of different missile defense related technologies of the US. The country has a plan to construct a monitoring center capable to monitor activities of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at any given moment.
Capabilities
The Republic of Korea launched its first
Aegis class destroyer last year and is expected to deploy total of three in the coming years. However economic crises can delay the planned operational capacity dates. The government also proceeds with a contract to buy 48 PAC-2 missiles from Germany and first deliveries were already made.