A domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle was test-launched for the first time on the 8th at the Agency for Defense Development’s Anheung Integrated Test Range. The presidential office said heat-resistant materials, guidance and control, and irregular low-altitude flight were verified for the first time.
The presidential office said in a written briefing on the 8th that the first test launch of a domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) had succeeded. According to Kyunghyang Shinmun, the test was held at the Agency for Defense Development’s Anheung Integrated Test Range in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, and President Lee Jae-myung observed it in person. The report gives no model name or range.
광고 문의 · 300×250Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said the aim was to verify, for the first time, the vehicle’s heat-resistant materials, guidance and control, and irregular low-altitude flight. The vehicle climbed to its target altitude and separated from the booster as planned, then descended to low altitude, changed course vertically and horizontally, and hit the designated target point accurately.
Called a ‘core strategic asset’
Kang described the weapon as a ‘core strategic asset’ able to strike key targets with an unpredictable trajectory and very high speed, saying the success was significant for securing a new deterrent in Korean Peninsula contingencies. Attendees included Defense Minister Kang Sin-cheol, DAPA head Lee Yong-chul and Kang Geon-jak, first deputy director of the National Security Office; after the test Lee also inspected the high-yield Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile.
Lee said Korea must secure its security through its own strength and pledged government support for developing and deploying advanced weapons. Commentators link the remarks to the debate over reclaiming wartime operational control. On September 29 Lee had likewise ordered faster work on nuclear-powered submarines and advanced missile technology as keys to self-reliant defense.
What the timing signals
Some in and around the military connect the test to the September 21 landmine explosion in the DMZ on the western front, which the government attributed to North Korean mines and which seriously injured Korean soldiers. Lee’s visit also came five days after Kim Jong Un observed a hypersonic missile launch drill. The government has not officially said the test was a direct response to any specific event.
Meanwhile, at a National Assembly audit the Joint Chiefs of Staff said they would strengthen DMZ surveillance assets and the GOP scientific surveillance system in response to North Korea’s border fortification work. A successful first test does not mean immediate operational deployment, so further tests, the production schedule and costs remain to be disclosed.
