SEOUL, — South Korea’s Presidential Office has released the first official photographs showing its newly developed hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) striking a maritime target during a test on October 8. President Lee Jae Myung observed the test, conducted by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) at the Anheung test center in Taean, about 130 kilometres south of Seoul.
The images show the vehicle contacting the sea at the end of its flight. Developed using domestic technology, the system is intended to strike critical targets at high speed along an unpredictable flight path.
HGV Completes Target Strike
During the test, the vehicle reached its planned altitude, separated from its booster and flew at hypersonic speeds. It then descended to a lower altitude, adjusted its course horizontally and vertically, and accurately struck the designated target.
The test assessed high-temperature-resistant materials, guidance and control systems, and low-altitude manoeuvring capabilities. An HGV uses a booster to reach high altitude before separating and gliding through the atmosphere at Mach 5 or higher, allowing it to manoeuvre during flight.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung described the HGV as a core strategic asset designed to conduct surprise precision strikes against important targets.
President Lee Calls for Faster Development
Following the test, President Lee encouraged the development team and called for faster progress towards operational deployment. He also inspected the Hyunmoo-5 surface-to-surface missile, nicknamed the “monster missile” because of its large warhead, and stressed the importance of self-reliant defence.
The Presidential Office described the test as a major milestone towards developing a deterrent capable of striking critical targets across the Korean Peninsula. The HGV is expected to complement South Korea’s existing ballistic and cruise missile inventory under the Republic of Korea Strategic Command.
Technical Details Remain Undisclosed
South Korean authorities have not disclosed the HGV’s exact speed, dimensions, operational range, development timeline or expected entry-into-service date. The booster’s size relative to the Hyunmoo-II C, Hyunmoo-II D and Hyunmoo-IV-1 missiles also remains unconfirmed.
Officials have not confirmed whether the launcher uses the Hyunmoo-5 transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) or a modified version of its architecture.
The test comes amid heightened Korean Peninsula tensions following recent North Korean missile activity and a border incident. South Korea now joins a small group of countries that have demonstrated hypersonic glide vehicle technology. Further development and testing will be needed to establish the system’s operational status.
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