South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo called on a counter-artillery unit to "retaliate powerfully" against any North Korean provocations during a troop visit Monday. 
The trip to the multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) unit came as North Korea stepped up its artillery threats on Seoul. North Korea said last week it has conducted the final test-fire of a large-caliber MLRS that is ready for combat deployment. 
The imminent deployment of the multiple 300-millimeter caliber rocket launching system reportedly places half of the South Korean territory within its range, according to South Korea's (Yonhap) News Agency. 
The defense ministry did not specify the counter-artillery unit Han visited, but the military started deploying locally built Chunmoo MLRS batteries with field troops in August last year. 
With a maximum range of 80 kilometers, the artillery system is a key counter-artillery asset vis-a-vis North Korea's long-range artillery threats, including those from Pyongyang's MLRS units. 
"In the event of an enemy provocation, our military should retaliate powerfully and without hesitation in order to wipe out their will to launch another provocation, and make them realize a provocation will lead to self-destruction," the defense minister said. 
"The biggest mission of the military is to guard the safety and lives of the people," Han highlighted. 
The South Korea is building up a comprehensive counter-artillery system to guard against growing threats posed by North Korea's multiple rocket launchers.

Source: QNA