NK boosts anti-aircraft missiles to defend Pyongyang: source

The Korean Hearld ^ | 3/5/2012 | The Korean Hearld

[U-238]

North Korea has increased its number of long-range anti-aircraft missiles aimed at targeting high-altitude threats over the capital Pyongyang over the past decade, a Korean military source said Wednesday.

The number of SA-5 surface-to-air missiles with a range of 260-300 kilometers deployed near Pyongyang has risen from two in 2000 to 40 in 2010, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The Soviet-designed SA-5 missiles are believed to be the North's most capable air defense against enemy planes flying over Pyongyang.

During the same period, the number of SA-3 missiles, which offer short-range defense against low-flying aircraft, jumped to some 140 from seven, the source said.

North Korea had deployed some 180 SA-2 missiles, with a range of 48km, by 2010, compared with 45 in 2010, the source said.

The two Koreas are still technically at war since the 1950-1953 Korean conflict ended in a fragile cease-fire, not a peace treaty.

Inter-Korean tensions remain high following two deadly military attacks by the North in 2010 that killed a total of 50 Koreans, mostly soldiers.

As North Korea boosts its anti-aircraft missile defenses, it will partly affect a plan by South Korea to purchase advanced combat fighters, the source said.

[Jonty30]

If my understanding is correct, they are playing a play from the Russian playbook of roaring loudest when they are at their weakest.

Possibly further evidence of their deterioration as a nation.

[GeronL]

Meanwhile we delay sending new stuff to Seoul

[U-238]

The SA-5 missiles are outdated. They first came into service in 1966.

[ops33]

“...long-range anti-aircraft missiles aimed at targeting high-altitude threats...”

If we or the South Koreans were to attack North Korea would we do it from high altitude? Makes me think this is all posturing.