The South Korean government announced a new missile agreement with the United States on Sunday that will allow Seoul to extend the range of its ballistic missiles.
The range has been extended to 800 kilometers from the current 300 kilometers, a range that can cover all of North Korea.
The new deal also allows South Korea to place bigger warheads on its missiles in some cases.
A warhead larger than the current limit of 500 kilograms will be allowed if the range of the missile carrying them is below 800 kilometers.
Experts say the new "trade-off" clause makes it possible for South Korea to develop its own unmanned aircraft or drones that are regarded as crucial for future combat.

Reporter : youchaie@arirang.co.kr