South Korea approves new rocket system

South Korea has approved the deployment of a new rocket system and two other important defence projects to counter a possible attack by North Korea, defence officials said on Thursday.

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korean Armed Forces will develop and deploy a homegrown 230 mm multiple rocket launch system to counteract North Korean artillery, Seoul's Defence Acquisition Programme Administration said.

According to a spokesperson, unguided projectile system, approved on Wednesday, will be able to hit targets deep within the enemy territory, Efe news reported.

The second project, towards which the government will invest around 18,400 million won ($15 million) till the end of 2019, will develop third generation 3,000-tonne frigates for the country's navy.

Seoul also approved the purchase of 40 F-35 combat aircraft from the US firm Lockheed Martin.

--IANS

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