South Korea to Deploy Hyunmoo-5 'Monster Missile' by Late 2025

South Korea Accelerates Hyunmoo-5 Deployment

The Republic of Korea Armed Forces are on track to deploy the advanced Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile by late 2025, with mass production already underway. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance South Korea's conventional deterrence capabilities, particularly in response to North Korea's growing nuclear and missile arsenal. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back confirmed the deployment timeline, stating that the missile is currently undergoing integration into the defense forces.

Unparalleled Penetration and Destructive Power

Dubbed a 'monster missile' or 'bunker buster' by local media, the Hyunmoo-5 is designed as a penetrating-type short-range ballistic missile. Its most notable feature is an estimated 8-ton conventional warhead, making it one of the heaviest conventional payloads globally. This immense warhead, propelled by a two-stage solid-fuel motor, is engineered to destroy heavily fortified underground facilities, reportedly capable of penetrating targets buried over 100 meters deep. Analysts suggest that a salvo of 15 to 20 Hyunmoo-5 missiles could inflict damage comparable to tactical nuclear weapons.

Strategic Role in Deterrence

The Hyunmoo-5 is a cornerstone of South Korea's 'three-axis' deterrence strategy, specifically fitting into the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) framework. This strategy aims to neutralize North Korea's leadership, command centers, missile silos, and WMD infrastructure in the event of aggression. Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized that the missile provides a non-nuclear 'balance of terror' against North Korea's nuclear threats, aligning with South Korea's commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Technical Specifications and Mobility

First publicly unveiled during the 2024 South Korea Armed Forces Day parade, the Hyunmoo-5 was displayed on a nine-axle transporter-erector-launcher (TEL). This road-mobile system enhances survivability through dispersion, allowing for rapid relocation and dispersed operations. While official specifications remain classified, open-source assessments estimate its launch weight at approximately 36 tons, with dimensions around 16 meters in length and 1.6 meters in diameter. Its exact range is speculated to be up to 3,000-3,500 kilometers with the heavy warhead, though the Ministry of National Defense emphasizes its role as a short-range asset. A lighter 1-ton warhead variant could potentially extend its range beyond 5,500 kilometers. The missile is also believed to achieve a hypersonic terminal speed of approximately Mach 10.

Conclusion

The deployment of the Hyunmoo-5 represents a significant advancement in South Korea's defense capabilities, providing a powerful conventional option for deterring threats without resorting to nuclear weapons. This development underscores Seoul's commitment to strengthening its independent defense posture amidst regional tensions and North Korea's continued military advancements.