The potential U.S. missile sale to Japan and South Korea scares North Korea as DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) believes it could lead to a new arms race.
North Korea's defense ministry (Ministry of Defense) shared its concerns on Monday, Nov. 20. In its statement, the military department explained that the United States selling its missiles to SoKor and Japan is a very dangerous act. NoKor's defense ministry added that this potential missile cooperation could raise tension in the region.
Potential US Missile Sale to Japan, SoKor Scares North Korea
In this handout released by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn March 29, 2011 from the Mediterranean Sea.
According to The Straits Times, North Korea is denouncing the possible U.S. missile sale to Japan and South Korea. The country's defense ministry said that it is ready to respond if this cooperation will lead to instability in the region.
North Korean officials further stated that they will step up measures to create deterrence in case the U.S. government sells its missiles to the two Asian countries.
"We warn that the more the United States profits from indiscriminate arms sales, the more it would have to pay for the security crisis," said North Korea via US News.
NoKor's defense ministry shared this statement after its spy satellite launch preparation had been announced, making the warning of North Korea against the U.S., Japan, and SoKor quite ironic.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said that NoKor could launch its controversial spy satellite before November ends.
"We sternly warn North Korea to squarely face the reality of the international community seriously condemning its illicit activities in one voice," warned SoKor's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
The major South Korean military branch urged North Korea to suspend its military spy satellite launch to avoid more conflict, claiming that if this orbital instrument is launched, it would be a violation and provocation of UN Security Council resolutions.
US Approves Potential Missile Sale
A Javelin missile fired by soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team heads toward a target during a live-fire training exercise on April 28, 2022 in Fort Carson, Colorado. The Javelin anti-tank missile system uses automatic infrared guidance to track targets and has the ability to use top attack to hit targets from above where armor is thinnest.
On Friday, Nov. 17, the U.S. State Department announced its approval of the potential missile sale to South Korea and Japan.
The federal executive department confirmed this decision after Japan said that it was planning to purchase hundreds of Tomahawk missiles (400 to be exact) from the United States.
If this really happens, it would contribute to the nation's biggest military build-up since World War II. The potential missile deal is expected to be over $2.30 billion.
This possible military enhancement cooperation arrived after South Korea's National Security Council said that it would immediately respond to any provocative actions by North Korea.
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