South Korea Unveils New Hyunmoo-5 Ballistic Missile with9-Ton Payload
Seoul, South Korea – On October1, 2024, South Korea showcased its new generation ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, at the 76th anniversary ofthe Korean Armed Forces in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The unveiling included a demonstration of the missile’s transporter-erector-launcher (TEL)vehicle’s lateral maneuverability.
The Hyunmoo-5, following its predecessor the Hyunmoo-4, is the largest ballistic missile developed by South Korea. Its emergence comes after a 2021 agreement between then-President MoonJae-in and US President Joe Biden to lift restrictions on South Korea’s ballistic missile range, effectively ending the 1997 US-South Korea missile development agreement. This removed the final political hurdle for South Korea’s missile development.
The development of the Hyunmoo-5 is driven by the need for a weapon capable of striking targets deep underground, a capability increasingly sought after in the face of North Korea’s recent advancements in ballistic missile technology.
Key Features of the Hyunmoo-5:
- Land-based, mobile coldlaunch system: The Hyunmoo-5 utilizes a TEL vehicle equipped with a 9-axle chassis, featuring a small-arms-resistant armored cabin and a transport and launch canister containing the missile.
- High-speed, maneuverable design: The missile resembles a lengthened Russian Iskander ballistic missile, powered by a solid-fuel rocket engine capable of reaching speeds of 10-15 Mach. It features four foldable wings at the tail for enhanced maneuverability.
- Versatile payload options: The Hyunmoo-5 can be equipped with various warheads, including high-explosive, penetrating, cluster, and electronic warfare payloads.
- Long-range capabilities: With a maximum payload of 9 tons, the Hyunmoo-5 boasts a range of 1,000 kilometers. Reducing the payload to around 1 ton can extend the range to 3,000-5,000 kilometers.
- Advancedguidance system: The Hyunmoo-5 employs a combination of inertial and GPS guidance systems, enabling it to target various ground, underground, and maritime targets.
Implications and Future Prospects:
The Hyunmoo-5’s unveiling marks a significant milestone in South Korea’s defense capabilities. Its advanced features and long-range capabilitiesenhance the country’s ability to deter potential threats and respond to evolving security challenges in the region. The missile’s development is likely to further fuel the arms race in Northeast Asia, prompting other regional powers to consider their own defense strategies.
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Note: This article is based on the provided information and publicly available sources. Further research and analysis are required for a more comprehensive understanding of the Hyunmoo-5 and its implications.
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