The United States has announced plans to install radar systems in Palau, an independent nation south-west of Guam, the US territory that North Korea has threatened to target with its inter-continental Ballistic Missiles.
The United States Defence Department along with the Palau Government released a joint statement, in which they stated that they were working to finalise the location of the radar towers on the island nation.
"The radar systems will provide Palau enhanced maritime law enforcement capability... while also providing the US with greater air domain awareness for aviation safety and security," the statement read.
Hence, while the systems are essential for the well-being of the Palau's air and maritime domains, they will also enhance the ability of the United States to maintain its defence of the island Republic.
Besides this, the radar system would also help the island chain in monitoring its massive 500,000 sq km maritime sanctuary, which is approximately the size of Spain.
US links with Palau
• Republic of Palau is an independent island nation, located in the western Pacific Ocean. It hosts over 300 islands.
• The country is a presidential republic that is in free association with the United States, according to the Compact of Free Association signed by both the nations in 1986.
• The agreement sets forth the free and voluntary association of both the nation’s governments.
• The deal mainly focuses on the issues of government, economic, security and defense relations.
• Under the deal, the island nation, which has no independent military, relies on the United States for its defence.
• The US military was granted access to the islands for 50 years, although it currently has no troops stationed there.
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