South Korea vowed to develop a “powerful” ballistic missile and is going full speed ahead with a plan to improve military and defense tech in what some experts are calling a growing “arms race” between Seoul and Pyongyang.

On Thursday, South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense released a key work report with objectives to boost defense against North Korean nuclear and missile threats. At a meeting about the report, defense minister Suh Wook reportedly pledged to get an “improved” Cheolmae-II surface-to-air missile interceptors, which can shoot down North Korean missiles before they make impact.