South Korea to Unveil Hyunmoo-5 Ballistic Missile at Armed Forces Day: A Strategic Shift in National Defense.
On September 30, 2024, just ahead of the 76th anniversary of the South Korean Armed Forces, the country publicly showcased its latest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5. This new long-range missile, part of a broader display of high-capacity ballistic systems at Seoul Airport, represents a significant development in South Korea’s military arsenal, particularly in response to the increasing security threats from North Korea.
The Hyunmoo-5 incorporates an advanced cold-launch system, a notable technical evolution in South Korea’s missile technology. This cold-launch technique uses compressed gas to propel the missile from its launcher before ignition, minimizing damage to the launcher and increasing operational stability.
On display alongside other systems such as the Hyunmoo-4A, Hyunmoo-4B, Hyunmoo-3, and the long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM), the Hyunmoo-5 stood out for its vertical cylindrical launch tube. Analysts have drawn parallels between the Hyunmoo-5 and China’s Dongfeng-31 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), with the former estimated to have a range of 5,000 km, capable of targeting critical infrastructure in North Korea and beyond. Equipped with an 8-ton warhead, the Hyunmoo-5 is specifically designed to penetrate reinforced underground bunkers, an essential capability for striking deeply buried command centers.