"If a warhead is mounted instead of a satellite, it becomes a weapon" Foreign media focus on defense capabilities (Comprehensive) [Nuriho Success]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Foreign media highlighted the significance of South Korea's first domestically developed launch vehicle, Nuriho (KSLV-II), emphasizing the possibility of South Korea securing long-range missile launch capabilities following the successful launch.

On the 22nd, Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the previous day's Nuriho launch, stating, "Rocket launch technology can also be used for military purposes such as ballistic missiles," and added, "South Korea had been restricted from developing medium- and long-range missiles with ranges exceeding 800 km under the South Korea-US missile guidelines." The article continued, "These guidelines were removed during the South Korea-US summit in May last year, and South Korea has since emphasized strengthening its defense capabilities in missile technology," and noted, "North Korea, which continues ballistic missile launch tests, may react negatively."

AP News quoted missile expert and former Defense University professor Kwon Yongsoo, who said, "If a satellite is placed on top of a rocket, it becomes a space launch vehicle, but if a warhead is placed on it, it becomes a weapon," and evaluated, "The successful launch of Nuriho is significant as it demonstrates success in testing a long-range rocket that can be used to build long-range missiles." AP reported that while South Korean government officials stated that Nuriho has no military purpose, some experts said South Korea needs long-range missiles considering the geopolitical situation.

AP described South Korea as "a top 10 economy and a major supplier of semiconductors, automobiles, and smartphones in the global market, but its space development program lags behind neighboring countries such as China, India, and Japan." It also introduced that although South Korea has sent several satellites into space since the early 1990s, all were launched from overseas launch sites or carried on launch vehicles with foreign technological assistance.

US CNN reported, "South Korea has struggled to catch up with its Asian neighbors in the space race," and noted that South Korea invested 2 trillion won in the Nuriho project since 2010. It evaluated, "Nuriho is South Korea's first launch vehicle using domestic technology, opening the door to various future satellites and missions."

French AFP also introduced South Korea as the seventh country to successfully launch a 1-ton class practical satellite independently. Japan's Kyodo News stated, "South Korea became the seventh country capable of launching satellites weighing over 1 ton into orbit, following the US, Russia, France, China, Japan, and India," and evaluated, "Under the new president, the door has been opened for the development of the space program."

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in South Korea posted on Twitter, "We knew you could do it. Congratulations on the successful launch of Nuriho," and added, "We look forward to further space cooperation between South Korea and the US."