Anticipating North Korea's Missile Tests, US Troops In South Korea Hold Air Defense Exercises

North Korea's Hwasong-17 ballistic missile. (Youtube/EngineerReact screenshot)

JAKARTA - United States troops in South Korea announced an increase in the intensity of their Patriot missile air defense system drills, amid signs North Korea may soon test another long-range missile.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been rising amid speculation North Korea could test its largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as soon as this week at full range, after threatening to violate a 2017 self-imposed moratorium on long-range and nuclear missile tests.

The US military in South Korea (USFK) said the air defense artillery brigade stationed at the Osan air base recently increased the intensity of certification exercises to demonstrate its capabilities, following North Korea's recent missile tests.

"The DPRK's significant increase in its missile test activity undermines peace, security and destabilizes the Northeast Asian region", USFK said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"While this type of training is routinely carried out by US Patriot batteries, the increased intensity of its certification underscores USFK's seriousness with the recent DPRK missile launch behavior", USFK continued.

A South Korean defense ministry spokesman said it was also closely monitoring North Korea's movements and maintaining a strong joint readiness posture with the US military.

On Friday, Washington and Seoul said in a joint announcement that Pyongyang had used its largest-ever ICBM in two recent launches, under the guise of satellite launch preparations.

However, the launch did not indicate the missile's full range, and analysts say North Korea may have used only one stage of the missile or adjusted its fuel volume, to fly at lower altitudes.

The missile used is called the Hwasong-17, which was unveiled at a military parade in 2020 and reappeared at a defense exhibition in October 2021.

USFK also said the United States Indo-Pacific Command had recently stepped up its ballistic missile defense directive.

Separately, the US military in Japan on Tuesday flew an RC-135S Cobra Ball spy plane over the Korean peninsula, a day after sending an RC-135V Rivet Joint reconnaissance plane, Yonhap news agency said, citing a flight-tracking website.