S. Korea-U.S. military exercises to incorporate pre-emptive strike operations

한미연합훈련에 北미사일기지 선제타격 등 '4D작전' 적용

In their largest-ever joint military drill next month, South Korea and the United States are planning to hold an exercise assuming the deployment of the U.S. missile defense system, THAAD, on the Korean peninsula.
They will also incorporate a new feature that will simulate pre-emptive strike operations against North Korea.
Kim Hyun-bin has more.
The annual Key Resolve and Foal Eagle military exercises between South Korea and the United States are scheduled to start early next month, and this year, the drills will incorporate something new.
A Korean government official said Wednesday the military's new 4D deterrence strategy will be part of the exercises for the first time.
During the drills, which use computer-based simulations and field exercises, the 4D strategy will be used to "detect, disrupt and destroy" North Korean nuclear and missile facilities when an attack is imminent,... in addition to defending South Korea.
The allies agreed to include the 4D strategy at a meeting in Washington in November.

The Korean official also said that there is possibility the U.S. advanced missile defense system THAAD could be integrated into the command post exercise scenario.
A THAAD battery is scheduled to be deployed to South Korea by the end of the year to provide another layer of aerial defense against North Korea's missile attacks.

This year's Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises are expected to be the largest ever, and the two allies are reportedly also discussing the possibility of deploying a U.S. strategic asset to the peninsula during the drills.
Some military officials and experts expect that B-1B, B-52 and B-2 bombers could be part fo the deployment, along with an aircraft carrier and nuclear submarine.
Kim Hyun-bin, Arirang News.

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