South Korea has begun deploying its most powerful conventional ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5—dubbed the “monster missile”—to frontline units. According to The Korea Herald, citing defense officials, the strategic move is intended to strengthen deterrence against North Korea.
Capabilities and Strategic Objectives of the Hyunmoo-5
The Hyunmoo-5 is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile system capable of carrying a warhead weighing up to 8 tons. Owing to its massive payload, it has earned the nickname “monster missile.” The weapon is designed to strike North Korea’s deeply buried command centers and strategic facilities. As security tensions rise in the region, the ability to destroy such hardened targets occupies a critical place in Seoul’s defense strategy.
Delivery of the system to military units began in late last year. Defense planners aim to complete full operational deployment before the end of the current government’s term.
Expert Opinion and Technical Limitations
According to Lee Il-woo, director of the Korea Defense Network, the Hyunmoo-5 is the most strategic missile developed in the series to date. However, analysts note that despite its power, the weapon has certain physical limitations. Experts caution that even such systems cannot offer an absolute guarantee of completely destroying North Korea’s most fortified and deeply buried underground facilities.
Source: C4Defence / The Korea Herald
