ROK lawmakers make case for adoption of US missile defense

Ruling party lawmakers in the Republic of Korea have suggested it's necessary to adopt a US-developed missile defense system to enhance defense capabilities against nuclear and missile threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The system in question, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is an advanced missile defense system developed by US-based Lockheed Martin that is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at an altitude of 40-150 km.

"Views in favor of deploying THAAD on the Korean Peninsula were brought forward within the party. I personally have claimed the need to introduce interceptor missiles for a long time," Yoo Seung-min, floor leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, was quoted by local media as saying during a party meeting on Monday.