Pence: "South Korean Interceptor Missiles Can Indirectly Support Ukraine If Sent to U.S."

U.S. Pressure for Missile Support Set to Intensify
U.S. Interceptor Missile Stockpiles Nearly Depleted

AP Yonhap News

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has proposed a plan in which South Korea would transfer its interceptor missiles to the United States, which would then divert them to Ukraine as support. He argues that this approach would allow the U.S. to address its depleted air defense missile stockpiles, while also helping South Korea restore relations with the United States, which have been somewhat strained due to issues regarding Iranian support. Pressure from the U.S. for missile support from South Korea is expected to escalate further.

During an interview with CNN on August 23 (local time) while visiting Kyiv, Ukraine, Pence stated, "As winter approaches, Ukraine is facing critical vulnerabilities. I see this as an opportunity for U.S. allies such as South Korea. South Korea possesses highly sophisticated interceptor missiles."

He added, "Given the multiple contacts between President Volodymyr Zelensky and South Korea this week, President Lee Jaemyung could take the initiative to allow for the deployment of South Korean missiles to either the Middle East or Ukraine by opening the door for South Korea to supply missiles to the United States."

President Zelensky has also recently requested air defense support from South Korea. In a press conference on August 9, he said, "We would like to receive South Korea's support in areas where our air defense systems are lacking. Although there are legal constraints in Korea, we anticipate such cooperation and diplomats from both countries are in contact."

Pence's remarks have been interpreted both in and outside the United States as an indirect expression of the hope that South Korea will provide missiles to the U.S. According to Politico, "Recently, former President Trump stated publicly that President Lee Jaemyung refused to support Iran, ordered a considerable reduction in joint U.S.-Korea military exercises, and even hinted at the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, causing a serious chill in bilateral relations. Pence’s comments carry the nuance that if South Korea provides missile support, it could mark the start of rebuilding a strong partnership with the United States."

It has been reported that the U.S. interceptor missile stockpiles are now nearly depleted. According to recent figures from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the inventory of Patriot interceptor missiles has dropped by more than 65% from its pre-Iran-war level of 2,330 units. For the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, more than 80% of the 452 missiles have been exhausted.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.