South Korea will begin deploying its largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, by the end of the year. This conventional missile, capable of carrying a large warhead and designed to target bunkers, represents a significant upgrade to its arsenal amidst rising tensions with North Korea.
A mobile launcher carrying the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile features during a ceremony marking the 76th Armed Forces Day held in Seoul in October 2024.A mobile launcher carrying the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile features during a ceremony marking the 76th Armed Forces Day held in Seoul in October 2024.
The Hyunmoo-5 ‘bunker’ buster’ missile can reportedly carry an eight-tonne warhead and will be ready for deployment at the end of the yearSouth Korea has said it will begin deploying its largest ballistic missile yet at the end of the year – a projectile known as the “monster missile” by local media – marking a significant upgrade of its conventional arsenal as tensions rise with nuclear-armedmust build a “considerable” number of the Hyunmoo-5 missiles in order to “achieve a balance of terror” in the face of the threat posed by the North, and that a next-generation missile with even greater power is needed. The Hyunmoo-5 has been presented domestically as an answer to growing calls for a nuclear deterrent. South Korea is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Hyunmoo-5 is a conventional missile.The Hyunmoo-5 is a ballistic missile weighing about 36 tonnes that can reportedly carry an eight-tonne warhead. It carries a “bunker buster” warhead, potentially able to reach deep underground to destroy heavily fortified bunkers where North Korean leaders might shelter in a conflict. It is understood to be about 16 metres long, and is designed as a surface-to-surface missile, capable of being launched from a mobile platform. Its range is said to vary from 600km to more than 5,000km, depending on payload. An official at the defence ministry told the Guardian that specific technical details and delivery timeline could not be confirmed for national security reasons.The idea for the missile was first conceived after a series of deadly attacks by North Korea in 2010 – the South Korea relies on the US “nuclear umbrella” and so does not possess nuclear weapons of its own. Dr Yang Uk, a defence expert at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, said: “We don’t have nuclear weapons, so the only defence we have is to develop the most powerful conventional weapons possible.” However, development of the Hyunmoo-5 was blocked by US restrictions on South Korean missile payloads until 2017, when Donald Trump The scheduled deployment of the Hyunmoo-5 comes as North Korea unveiled its own new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile at a recent military parade, potentially capable of striking the US mainland.The missile’s upcoming deployment comes against a backdrop of strained ties between the North and South. Pyongyang has snubbed Seoul since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June, despite Lee’s peace overtures. Lee has also embraced self-reliant defence as a cornerstone of his presidency, reflecting South Korea’s broader strategic shift towards greater autonomy. He has criticised what he calls the “submissive mindset” of those who believe South Korea cannot defend itself without foreign military support, even as the country maintains its security alliance with the United States. South Korea is estimated to spend 1.4 times North Korea’s entire GDP on defence annually and ranks fifth globally in military strength. Arms exports have become one of the country’s fastest-growing industries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at Seoul’s ADEX arms fair this week, Lee pledged “larger-than-expected” defence spending to make South Korea the world’s fourth-largest defence industry powerhouse. However, whether the Hyunmoo-5 will deter North Korean provocations or further escalate regional tensions remains unclear. North Korea is likely to publicly dismiss conventional threats while asserting nuclear superiority. However, Dr Yang Uk at the Asan Institute believes the new capability should be worrying for Pyongyang’s leadership. “They will be, and should be, scared,” he said.
South Korea Ballistic Missile Hyunmoo-5 Military North Korea
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China Rejects Australia's Protest Over South China Sea EncounterChina has responded to Australia's diplomatic protest regarding a recent incident in the South China Sea, accusing an Australian military aircraft of illegally entering its airspace. The Chinese military stated the Australian plane's actions violated its sovereignty and could have led to accidents. This follows Australia's description of the encounter, where a Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian plane, as unsafe and unprofessional.
Read more »
China fiercely fires back at Australia over South China Sea airspace encounterChina has fiercely hit back at Australia over an airspace interaction between the two countries that has seen tensions flare, and claimed an Australian plane “seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty”.
Read more »
South Australia to Introduce New Laws to Protect Police from HarassmentThe South Australian government is proposing new legislation to create a specific offence for stalking and harassment of police officers and their families. The proposed laws could result in up to 10 years imprisonment for offenders and have bipartisan support from the Opposition.
Read more »
Damaging Winds to Lash South Australia, Victoria and NSW TomorrowSevere weather warnings are in place across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales as damaging winds and a cold front are expected to cause power outages and bring down trees. Wind gusts could reach up to 130 km/h in some areas. Residents are warned to brace for potential damage to property and infrastructure.
Read more »
South Korea says North Korea fired ballistic missile toward eastern watersThe launch comes days before South Korea hosts APEC and world leaders including the US and Chinese presidents.
Read more »
North Korea Accused of Stealing Billions Through Cyberattacks to Fund Nuclear ProgramAn international report reveals North Korea's extensive cyber operations, detailing billions stolen through cryptocurrency theft, fake remote tech jobs, and malware, all to fund the nation's nuclear weapons program.
Read more »