US, Japan And South Korea Fortify Defence Against A New North Korean Ballistic Missile, Conduct Joint Drills

South Korea, the United States and Japan on Monday (17 April) began a trilateral missile defence exercise in the international waters to fortify air defence against North Korean advanced Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).

These trilateral missile defence exercises are coming as a response to the recent North Korean launch of an advanced solid-fuelled ballistic missile -- Hwasong-18.

Experts believe that this is the first time that North Korea has used a solid-fuelled propellent for an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). The use of solid-propellent allows North Korea to deploy and launch the IRBMs faster and avoid detection.

"Solid-fuel missiles are easier and safer to operate, and require less logistical support – making them harder to detect and more survivable than liquid-fuelled ballistic missile," a US government weapons expert said.

These exercise will strengthen security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan, a news report says.

The military exercise includes three Aegis-equipped destroyers: ROKS Yulgok Yi I from South Korea, USS Benfold from the US, and JS Atago from Japan.

The report said that the exercise aimed to practice detecting, tracking, and sharing information on a simulated missile target.

The South Korean Navy states that the recent exercise aimed to enhance security cooperation, particularly against the North's nuclear and missile advancements, while also reinforcing their Navy's ability to react to ballistic missile launches.

Earlier in February as well, the three countries conducted another joint missile defense exercise.

At a recent Defense Trilateral Talks, US, Japan and South Korea agreed to conduct regular missile defense and anti-submarine drills as a countermeasure to North Korea's threats.