Russia deploys S-400 missile system near North Korea

[joeblow]

Russia deploys S-400 missile system near North Korea

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=1 ... =351020602


Elements of an S-400 battalion

Amid ongoing tensions over North Korean missile activities, Russia has set up a third missile unit fitted with the S-400 defense system close to its eastern borders.

"We have deployed an S-400 battalion [in the Far East] already," Head of Russian General Staff, Nikolay Markov was quoted by Russia Today as saying on Wednesday.

"We are taking preventative measures to secure ourselves from misfired missiles and to make absolutely sure their debris does not fall on Russian territory," he explained.

Russia has already installed two similar systems in Moscow's vicinity for security purposes.

North Korea has invited a spate of criticism and threats of military action with its late May nuclear test and the various missiles it launches.

The S-400 Triumf air defense system can reportedly hit targets within 400 km (248.5 miles) and has been hailed as the world's "most formidable" apparatus against aerial and missile attacks.

In June, when the North increased its missile activities, Moscow tasked its surveillance teams with relaying relevant information on pending missile tests in Pyongyang.

North Korea has in recent days taken measures for a rapprochement with South Korea and has shown more flexibility in its dealings with the international community.

Earlier in the month, Pyongyang released two American journalists in its custody. It has also sent delegations to the South to attend a mourning ceremony for the late South Korean president, Kim Dae-jung.

HN/AA