May 10, 200719 yr From DefenseNews Posted 05/10/07 10:15 Russia Throws Wrench in S. Korea’s Global Hawk Plan AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, SEOUL South Korea’s plan to buy a U.S.-made unmanned spy plane to keep watch over North Korea has hit a snag because Russia opposes the easing of a global arms control pact, a news report said May 10. Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, quoting a diplomatic source, said any U.S. sale of the $50 million Global Hawk would need a revision to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). "The U.S. is trying to persuade MTCR member states to revise the MTCR regulations but Russia is opposed to revising it or making any exceptions," the source said. "South Korea’s planned purchase of Global Hawk will be difficult as long as Russia opposes the revision." Seoul hopes to buy four Global Hawks to improve its capability to spy on nuclear-armed North Korea, the paper said. The defense ministry in Seoul reiterated its willingness to buy the Global Hawks but refused to comment on Russia’s stance. "Since South Korea asked the United States to sell Global Hawk in 2005, bilateral talks have been under way," a defense ministry official said on condition of anonymity. "The MTCR concerns not only us but all member states. We cannot independently confirm the news report [on Russia]."
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