North Korea Strongly Condemns US-South Korea Arms Deal, Warns of Increased Tensions
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has described the potential sale of air-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs from the United States to South Korea as a “hostile” act, warning that it would escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The ministry stated that such a decision could further destabilize regional security.
Pyongyang’s response came shortly after the US State Department announced about a week ago that it had approved the possible sale of precision-guided bombs (JDAMs) and related equipment to South Korea. The deal is estimated to be worth approximately $106 million and must undergo notification and review processes in the US Congress before finalization.
According to Washington’s announcement, South Korea has requested to purchase 708 tail kits and 58 sets of guidance kits for JDAM bombs, along with support equipment and technical, engineering, and logistical services.
US officials have stated that this deal is aimed at strengthening South Korea’s defense capabilities and enhancing the military readiness of this key US Asian ally. The Korean Peninsula has been a sensitive security hotspot in East Asia for decades, and any military moves there typically draw strong reactions from the opposing side.
