A “monster missile” will be unveiled on Armed Forces Day. On October 1, during the 76th Armed Forces Day, the Hyunmoo-5, known for its impressive 8-ton warhead, will debut, as reported by Yonhap News, citing multiple military officials on Sunday. This missile is a crucial asset in South Korea’s self-developed Korean Three-Axis System, aimed at countering North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
The Hyunmoo-5, recognized as a core element of the Three-Axis System, will be showcased at the Armed Forces Day ceremony at Seoul Airport and during the military parade from Gwanghwamun to Sungnyemun. Significant attention is anticipated since the Hyunmoo-5 has never been publicly displayed before. A military official noted that while the Hyunmoo-4 made its debut at last year’s event, this year features the more destructive Hyunmoo-5, which can destroy underground bunkers housing North Korean command structures.
Developed by the South Korean military, the Hyunmoo missile series includes the retired Hyunmoo-1, the short-range ballistic Hyunmoo-2 series, and the cruise missile Hyunmoo-3 series. The Hyunmoo-4, an upgraded version of the Hyunmoo-2, was unveiled last year. In contrast, the Hyunmoo-5 is set to surpass the Hyunmoo-4 in power significantly.
The Korean Three-Axis System encompasses a “Kill Chain” for detecting and neutralizing North Korean missile launches before they occur, a Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system for missile defense, and a massive retaliation system. The Hyunmoo-5 plays a vital role in this retaliation strategy, which is expected to enhance significantly South Korea’s defensive capabilities against North Korean threats.
In addition to the Hyunmoo-5, the Armed Forces Day ceremony will highlight various key assets of the Three-Axis System, delivering a robust warning against North Korea’s ongoing missile provocations. The U.S. military’s B-1B strategic bomber, nicknamed the “Death Swan,” will also make its first appearance at the event. The B-1B, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.25 and carrying 57 tons of armaments, significantly outmatches other U.S. strategic bombers like the B-2 and B-52.
The B-1B will fly over Seongnam Airport, enhancing the Armed Forces Day ceremony spectacle. This appearance emphasizes the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance while celebrating the establishment of South Korea’s military strategic command. The Strategic Command will oversee the integration of strategic assets, including the Hyunmoo missiles, stealth fighters, and 3,000-ton submarines, aiming to strengthen responses to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats while expanding cooperation with U.S. military command. This command will also control intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), playing a crucial role in developing integrated operations with U.S. forces.
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