Deployment to Field Units Began Late Last Year
"Achieving a 'Balance of Terror' to Match North Korea's Nuclear Threat"
The Hyunmoo-5 surface-to-surface ballistic missile, known as the "monster missile" due to its 8-ton warhead, has reportedly been deployed to operational units.
'Hyunmoo-5' unveiled at the Armed Forces Day Media Day event on October 29 last year. Photo by Yonhap News
According to military sources on January 18, the deployment of Hyunmoo-5 to field units began at the end of last year, and full operational deployment is expected to be completed during the Lee Jaemyung administration.
The Hyunmoo-5 is designed to destroy underground bunkers where North Korea's leadership may be hiding, and it was unveiled consecutively at the Armed Forces Day events two years ago and last year. It serves as a key component of the Korean-style three-axis system, specifically as a means of massive retaliation and punishment (KMPR).
The three-axis system being established by South Korea's military in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats consists of three elements: the "Kill Chain," which detects signs of missile launches in advance and neutralizes them preemptively; the Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD); and massive retaliation and punishment capabilities.
Military authorities are also developing next-generation missile systems following the Hyunmoo-5. These next-generation missiles, informally referred to as "Hyunmoo-6" and "Hyunmoo-7," are reported to be surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with either a longer range or enhanced warhead penetration compared to the Hyunmoo-5.
The development of these next-generation missiles is also being pursued as a classified project, and the military does not officially use the names Hyunmoo-6 or Hyunmoo-7.
In an interview with the media last year, Defense Minister Ahn Kyubaek discussed the development plan for the "next-generation missile system," emphasizing, "We will improve the performance of high-powered missiles (Hyunmoo-5 and next-generation missiles) in terms of destructive power and accuracy, and secure a sufficient quantity necessary for an overwhelming response, thereby achieving a 'balance of terror' commensurate with North Korea's nuclear threat."
When asked whether high-powered missiles might be less powerful than North Korea's nuclear weapons, Minister Ahn responded, "Missile experts believe that the impact of about 15 to 20 high-powered missiles would exceed that of a nuclear weapon," adding, "Hyunmoo-5 is precisely the weapon capable of establishing a balance of terror comparable to nuclear arms."
It is reported that the military plans to secure hundreds of these "monster missiles," including Hyunmoo-5 and next-generation models, to enhance its ability to counter North Korea's nuclear weapons.
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