Tel Aviv: On October 1, 2024, South Korea displayed, for the first time, its giant surface-to-surface ballistic missile launcher Hyunmoo-5 to mark the country’s Armed Forces Day.
Israeli defence analysts have reviewed the open data about the missiles and according to them, the Hyunmoo-5 is the largest missile in a well-known family developed and produced by the local Korean industry. The analysts say that the South Korean Strategic Command plans to have more than 200 Hyunmoo-5.
The unique system has been developed by Hanwha Aerospace under the Korean ADD (Agency of Defence and Development).
According to the analysts, the two stages, solid propulsion ballistic missile is equipped with MaRV (Manoeuvering Re-entry Vehicle).
Launch Weight (est.): 36 tons
First Stage Thrust: 75 tons
Warhead Weight: “Small” – ~ 1 ton; Heavy (penetration warhead) – ~9 tons
Dimension: Length – ~16 metres; Diameter: ~1.6 metres
Performance Range: (With heaviest warhead) – ~1000 to 3000 km; With light RV: ~ 5000 km
The Israeli analysts found clear indications for “cold launch” and reload of another missile after launch. They added that the Hyunmoo missiles already demonstrated a pin-point impact precision and deep penetration based on high quality GNSS receivers.
A unified 9 axels locally developed TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) 18X18 chassis is used to transport the missiles and launch it. The missile’s TEL can move all 18 wheels at roughly a 45-degree angle allowing it to drive diagonally for enhanced mobility.
According to the analysts, there are good indications for “cold launch” concept: Ejecting the heavy missile by gas-generator from TEL and naval canister. The South Korean Joint Strike Ship 10,000 (+) ton can potentially launch the new missile.
ROK refers to the new missile as “Extreme Precision, High Power Missiles” or “Ultra-powerful ballistic missiles,” rather than using conventional designations like IRBM (Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile) or ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile).
According to Korean press (January 7, 2024), South Korea has already conducted missile tests in December 2023, launching the Hyunmoo-IV-1 and Hyunmoo-V strategic missiles. Success – unknown.
The analysts raise a question – without known nuclear program, and while the only formal threat to South Korea is North Korea (DPRK) – why did ROK invests significant budgets in such a resource-consuming program? Why they need a land-based, road mobile, large ballistic missile (ICBM size) with high degree of survivability?
One option they can think of is a simple critical need for very heavy penetrator that cannot been carried by a fighter. A second option – a cover story to deploy a nuclear capable long range .
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
