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South Korea halts Thaad anti-missile system rollout

EPA A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launcher sits at a golf course in Seongju, some 300km southeast of Seoul, South Korea, 1 May 2017 (reissued 2 May 2017)EPA
Two launchers which have already been deployed will not be withdrawn

South Korea is suspending the deployment of a controversial missile defence system while the government examines its environmental impact.

The rollout of the US-funded Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (Thaad) may be on hold for a year.

Four recently arrived launchers will not be deployed, an official said. Two already installed will stay in place.

Thaad aims to protect South Korea from the North's missiles, and has been criticised at home and by China.

AFP/Getty Images This handout photo taken on November 1, 2015 and received by the US Department of Defense/Missile Defense Agency shows a terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor being launched from a THAAD battery.AFP/Getty Images
The Thaad system became operational in early May

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?

Thaad missile defence system graphic

The office of recently-elected President Moon Jae-in said that a comprehensive environmental study of Thaad was needed and that it could take up to a year to complete.

During that time, Thaad's deployment would be frozen as it was not "urgent enough" to bypass the assessment, it said.

Thaad began its rollout earlier this year under South Korea's previous presidential administration, a move which Mr Moon has said was "regrettable".

The suspension comes days after Mr Moon's office accused the defence ministry of withholding information about Thaad from the president.

It said the military did not tell Mr Moon about the delivery of the four other Thaad launchers.

The ministry has defended this decision, saying it had to uphold a confidentiality agreement with the US.

Thaad system launcher

Many South Koreans have objected to Thaad, believing it will become a target and endanger the lives of those who live near its launch sites.

China has also voiced opposition to the system, saying it affects the regional security balance.