| Taken Questions Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 11, 2001 Question taken at May 11, 2001 Press Briefing North Korea: U.S. Missile Sale To South KoreaQUESTION: Comment on N. Korean complaints about S. Korea’s plans to procure M-41 missile launchers (which it charges could form part of a missile defense system). ANSWER: The South Korean government has requested and we are prepared to provide the MK-41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) to be installed eventually on Rok KDX-II destroyers. The MK-41 VLS is the standard surface-to-air missile for many u.s. navy ships and we have provided it to a number of allies. The MK-41 VLS is not in and of itself a ballistic missile defense or a theater ballistic missile defense system. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the united states by improving the defense capabilities of a close ally who remains an important force for stability and economic progress in northeast Asia. |
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