S. Korea Beefs Up Missile Program

Worried about the North, South Korea reaches a landmark deal with the US to up the range of its ballistic missiles. Andrew Raven reports.

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8 months ago

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Andrew Raven, Chun Young Woo

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South Korea test launches a cruise missile in this undated file footage. Now, the country is extending the range of rockets like this one under a landmark agreement with the United States. The pact, announced Sunday, will allow South Korea to develop missiles that can travel up to 800kms - more than twice the current ceiling. Top security official Chun Young-woo said the deal was designed to deter an attack from the country's combative neighbour - North Korea. South Korea has pushed for years to extend the range of its missiles - but long-time ally Washington resisted. That stance changed after the North test-launched a long-range rocket in April - an attempt that ultimately ended in failure.