The presidential office said an Agency for Defense Development test in Taean separated the vehicle from its booster and completed a planned hypersonic path. President Lee Jae Myung watched.
South Korea conducted its first test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle on Thursday, the presidential office said. Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the vehicle, still under development, separated from its booster and followed its planned path under hypersonic conditions. President Lee Jae Myung watched the launch.
Yonhap reported that the office did not name the site, but that the test was said to have taken place on a barge at an Agency for Defense Development center in Taean, about 130 kilometers south of Seoul. Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul attended with other officials. The Korea Herald said it was Lee’s first known appearance at a missile test as president.
Kang said the trial checked thermal-protection materials, guidance and control, and the vehicle’s ability to change course at lower altitude. She said that, unlike a conventional ballistic missile, the vehicle descended after separation, adjusted horizontally and vertically, and hit the intended target. The office framed the result as preparation for a deterrent able to strike targets across the Korean Peninsula.
After the launch, Lee also looked at the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, Yonhap and the Korea Herald reported. He was quoted by Kang as saying the government would support development and deployment of advanced weapons so people could live without concern.
The accounts are from the presidential office, relayed by Yonhap and the Korea Herald. They do not include a speed figure, a range, or an independent tracking report.
People Sentiments Neutral
- Kang Yu-jung said the vehicle separated from its booster and flew its planned hypersonic path.
- Lee was quoted saying the government would fully support advanced weapons so people could live without concern.