The presidential office said Lee Jae Myung oversaw a successful test of a hypersonic glide vehicle and urged researchers to field the missile.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung oversaw the test-firing of a hypersonic glide vehicle on Thursday, the presidential office told Reuters. The office called the missile a strategic asset able to strike by surprise because of unpredictable flight paths and speed. After the briefing, Lee asked researchers to develop and deploy it quickly.
Yonhap, citing spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, said the launch was the first test of a domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle and checked flight path, speed, thermal protection, guidance and low-altitude manoeuvres. Kang said the vehicle separated from its booster, followed its planned path, adjusted course and hit the target. The test location was not disclosed.
The Korea Herald said the Agency for Defense Development conducted the launch. Lee also inspected the Hyunmoo-5. The vehicle is still under development.
Reuters noted the test came days after North Korea said Kim Jong Un had overseen an intermediate-range hypersonic drill. Seoul did not publish a range or deployment date in these accounts.
The new fact is the first South Korean test flight as described by the presidential office. It is not a declaration that the weapon is in service.
People Sentiments Neutral
- The presidential office called the missile a strategic asset.
- Kang Yu-jung said the launch was a milestone toward a new deterrent.
- Lee asked researchers to deploy the missile quickly.