South Korea Tests Its First Domestic Hypersonic Weapon

Reference News Network, October 9 According to the Associated Press on October 8, South Korea conducted a flight test of its first domestically developed hypersonic weapon that day, bringing it a step closer to what it claims could be a game-changing weapon capability. Designed to reach speeds of at least five times the speed of sound, the weapon is capable of evading missile defense systems.

According to a statement, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the test launch, calling it an important step in strengthening the country's conventional defense capabilities. The statement did not specify the location of the test launch.

The statement said the weapon separated from its booster rocket at the designated altitude, then descended and performed vertical and horizontal maneuvers, ultimately hitting a test target. The statement noted that once developed, this weapon would be able to strike key targets in the "Korean Peninsula theater" unexpectedly.

Last month, three South Korean soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion near the heavily guarded inter-Korean border. Tensions between the two Koreas have escalated in the following weeks.

The South Korean military and the U.S.-led United Nations Command concluded that the explosion was caused by a device installed by North Korea. North Korea denied causing the explosion and mocked South Korea's request for an apology.

Yoon Suk-yeol also called for strengthening South Korea's conventional defense capabilities while reducing reliance on the United States. In August, the U.S. unilaterally announced a reduction in large-scale military exercises with South Korea, with Trump citing his "very good" relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as the reason. (Translated by Feng Xue)