SEOUL, April 30 (UPI) -- The United States will deploy new air defense missiles in South Korea as part of its build-up against North Korea, military authorities said Friday.
The U.S.-South Korean Combined Forces Command said a new U.S. air defense brigade would arrive in the autumn with two anti-missile batteries.
"The deployment of this strictly defensive air defense artillery Patriot missile unit brings additional deterrent capabilities to the peninsula," said Lt. Gen. Charles Campbell, commander of the 8th U.S. Army.
The Patriot Advanced Capability-2 and upgraded PAC-3 systems are designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
"This is part of the $11 billion U.S. military build-up plan in South Korea," a South Korean Defense Ministry official said. The United States has also been upgrading its air defense systems. There are already several batteries fielded in South Korea.
The United States maintains 37,000 troops in South Korea to help defend it from a potential conflict with North Korea.
