Image source: topwar.ru
South Korea has developed a new powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SSBM) Hyunmoo V. The Hyunmoo V ballistic missile transporter-erector Launcher (TEL) was demonstrated during the 76th South Korean Armed Forces Day celebration ceremony on October 1, 2024. Although the rocket itself was not shown, which already raises some questions.
The new South Korean weapons represent South Korea's strategic response to the growing missile and nuclear threats posed by North Korea. As Pyongyang continues to expand its arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and tactical nuclear weapons, Seoul is prioritizing the development of its own missile capabilities to maintain a reliable deterrent position, writes the American military-political publication Defense News.
The new ballistic missile of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 3,000 kilometers. It can carry an eight-ton conventional warhead, making it the heaviest non-nuclear warhead ever mounted on a ballistic missile.
The missile is designed to destroy North Korea's deeply buried and fortified military infrastructure, which includes underground missile silos, command bunkers, and nuclear ammunition depots. The South Korean Defense Ministry announced the development of its own ballistic missile with high destructive properties last summer.
The development of this missile underscores South Korea's desire to strengthen its defense capabilities after the lifting in 2021 of U.S.-imposed restrictions on the range of ballistic missiles, which previously limited Seoul's ability to develop longer-range and powerful ballistic missiles. The new missile is expected to enter service with the South Korean army in the near future and will become an essential component of the strategic deterrence system.
The rocket is equipped with a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system that provides fast acceleration and range. At the final stage, it can reach speeds close to Mach 10, which makes it much more difficult for the enemy's missile defense systems to intercept it. The missile is launched from the K901 nine-axle transport and charging system developed by Kia Motors, which provides increased mobility and operational flexibility, allowing South Korea to launch the missile on various types of terrain and avoid enemy detection.
Hyunmoo V's guidance system is based on advanced inertial and satellite navigation, providing high accuracy even over long distances. This level of precision allows South Korea to strike at North Korean military installations with minimal collateral damage, increasing the effectiveness of preventive or retaliatory strikes.
North Korea's continued development of missile technology, including solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and tactical nuclear weapons aimed at South Korea, has increased tensions in the region. Relying on deeply fortified underground bunkers, Pyongyang forced Seoul to develop the Hyunmoo V as an effective countermeasure. The missile's ability to penetrate such structures gives South Korea a strategic advantage, ensuring the neutralization of North Korea's critical military installations even in the event of conflict. At the same time, nothing has been reported about the tests of the new South Korean missile.
However, Seoul is more likely to lag behind Pyongyang in this regard. Last year, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) showed pictures of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un next to missile transport launchers located in a fairly large number in one of the underground military bases.
Image source: topwar.ru
Image source: topwar.ru
North Korea has a military nuclear weapons program and, as of 2024, is estimated to have an arsenal of about 50 nuclear warheads and enough material to produce six to seven nuclear warheads per year. North Korea regularly conducts tests of both cruise and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
In addition, as part of the agreement signed last year by the leaders of the DPRK and the Russian Federation, the countries pledged to provide each other with military assistance in the event of external aggression. Until recently, Seoul was counting on the protection of the United States. However, the experience of the conflict in Ukraine has shown that Americans are not eager to fight directly with nuclear-armed Russia.
