Testing the 4D Concept
During the annual “Key Resolve” joint military exercise in March, US and South Korean forces will simulate ballistic missile defence engagements, testing the 4D “detect, disrupt, destroy and defend” concept approved during the 2015 Security Consultative Meeting.
In discussions last week during US Defense Secretary James Mattis’ visit to Seoul, the two nations agreed to strengthen the “Key Resolve” and “Foal Eagle” exercises this year in response to provocation from North Korea in the form of continued ballistic missile testing and threatening statements.
A simulated Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery will take part in the upcoming exercise, as will strategic US assets including B-1 and B-52 bombers based in Guam and B-2s from the continental United States. Naval assets will include the USS CARL VINSON aircraft carrier and nuclear submarines and AEGIS-class destroyers based in Japan.