South Korean Military to Unveil High-Powered Missile Hyeonmu-5 on Armed Forces Day
By Jane Doe
Seoul, South Korea, September 20, 2024 – Several sources within the South Korean military have revealed plans to showcase a new, high-powered missile during the Armed Forces Day celebrations on October 1st. The Hyeonmu-5 ballistic missile, with a warhead weight exceeding 8 tons, is anticipated to make its public debut as part of the country’s response to the ongoing nuclear and missile threats posed by North Korea.
The missile, referred to internally as the High-Powered Hyeonmu Missile, has not been officially named by the military, leading analysts to label it as Hyeonmu-5 based on the sequence of development within the Hyeonmu series. Nicknamed the Beast Missile, the Hyeonmu-5 carries a warhead heavier than any currently in service, boasting a destructive capability comparable to that of a tactical nuclear weapon. This missile is a critical component of South Korea’s Three-Axis System, specifically designed to counteract North Korean provocations.
The Three-Axis System is a defense strategy aimed at deterring and retaliating against North Korean aggression. It consists of the Kill Chain preemptive strike system, the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) plan, and the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system. The KMPR, in particular, is designed to target key North Korean leadership and strategic assets in the event of an attack.
During the 2022 Armed Forces Day commemoration, the military provided a brief introduction to the KMPR, revealing for the first time that it included a Hyeonmu ballistic missile with the world’s heaviest warhead. A video of the missile launch was also shown, though the missile itself was not physically displayed. Last year, the military unveiled a High-Powered Hyeonmu Missile, later identified as the Hyeonmu-4, which had a warhead weighing over 2 tons. However, the missile was only seen on a mobile launcher, without a full reveal.
Should the Hyeonmu-5 be unveiled this year, it will mark the missile’s first public appearance. The move comes in the wake of North Korea’s recent announcement of the successful test of the Hwasong-11 C-4.5, a new tactical ballistic missile with a 4.5-ton conventional warhead. The Hyeonmu-5’s warhead, with a weight double that of the North Korean missile, sends a clear message of South Korea’s determination to impose severe punishment and retaliation in response to any North Korean provocations.
The unveiling of the Hyeonmu-5 is expected to strengthen South Korea’s deterrence capabilities against North Korean threats. It also underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture and its willingness to invest in advanced weaponry to ensure regional stability.
As tensions continue to simmer on the Korean Peninsula, the upcoming Armed Forces Day will not only celebrate the achievements of the South Korean military but also serve as a platform to showcase its latest advancements in defense technology. The Hyeonmu-5 missile, with its unprecedented destructive power, will be a significant addition to the South Korean arsenal, demonstrating the nation’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and people from any external threats.
The unveiling of the Hyeonmu-5 is scheduled for October 1st during the Armed Forces Day commemorations, where the South Korean military will proudly display its latest achievement in the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
Note: This article is a fictional representation based on the provided information and should not be considered factual.
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