U.S. submarine armed with ballistic missiles enters South Korean port

A U.S. submarine equipped with ballistic missiles arrived at the South Korean port of Busan today, according to the South Korean Ministry of National Defense.

The submarine, USS Kentucky, has the ability to carry submarine-launched ballistic missiles, marking its first visit to South Korea in approximately 40 years.

This vessel can accommodate up to 20 Trident-II missiles, each with a range of about 12,000 kilometers.

Kurt Campbell, the U.S. National Security Council’s Indo-Pacific coordinator, confirmed the arrival during a press conference following the inaugural meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG).

The NCG is a new entity designed to coordinate responses to potential threats from North Korea.

The presence of the USS Kentucky is a testament to the U.S. commitment to supporting South Korea’s defense and mitigating any development of destructive weapons by North Korea, as outlined in an agreement signed in April by the U.S. and South Korean Presidents.

However, North Korea has criticized the U.S. decision to send the submarine to South Korea.

Following a series of unsuccessful denuclearization talks in 2019, tensions have risen in the region with an increase in missile testing by North Korea and the resumption of major joint exercises by Seoul and Washington.

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