Seoul: South Korea prominently displayed its most powerful ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5 ‘monster missile’, for the first time during the annual Armed Forces Day parade, signalling the nation’s readiness to counter North Korean threats.
The parade, held at a Seoul airbase, featured around 5,300 troops and 340 military vehicles, along with aircraft flyovers. Additionally, a smaller parade took place on the streets of Seoul, attracting large crowds
President Yoon Suk-yeol told thousands of troops who gathered at the base that, “If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-US alliance, that day will be the end of the North Korean regime.”
Yoon also added that, “The North Korean regime must abandon the delusion that nuclear weapons will protect them.”
Dubbed ‘monster missile’, the Hyunmoo-5 was tested successfully last year. The military introduced the weapon as the ‘ultra high-power Hyunmoo ballistic missile’, which was positioned on two nine-axle transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicles.
The Hyunmoo-5 is categorised as short-range, but if topped with a 1-tonne warhead – typical for ballistic missiles – its range can exceed 5,000km (3,107 miles).
Yoon’s office stated that the Hyunmoo-5 missile is crucial to South Korea’s three-axis defence system, designed to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats. This system includes plans for pre-emptive strikes if deemed necessary, reinforcing the country’s commitment to neutralizing potential provocations from the North.
Since taking office in 2022, President Yoon has reinstated the tradition of annual military parades as part of his “peace through strength” strategy. He has also advocated for a stronger military alliance with the United States, alongside closer cooperation among Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo.
This year’s parade notably featured a flyover by a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber for the first time, and included participation from the U.S. Eighth Army band and an armoured Stryker brigade.
Earlier, North Korea released images showcasing its uranium enrichment facility, signalling its ongoing advancements in nuclear capabilities. The country has also maintained a pattern of regular weapon test launches, defying international sanctions imposed to curb its military developments. These actions reflect North Korea’s intent to bolster its military strength despite global pressures.
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