Lee Jae-myung, the President of South Korea, observed the first test launch of the hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) on October 8, urging for rapid development and deployment of the technology.
According to Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong, President Lee visited the HGV test launch site in the afternoon.
The HGV is a missile that accelerates to the upper atmosphere using a booster, then separates and glides at low altitudes. It is considered a strategic weapon due to its ability to change trajectory both vertically and horizontally at high speeds, making it difficult to detect and intercept.
This test launch was conducted to verify key technologies for the first time, including the performance of high-temperature resistant materials in hypersonic flight, guidance and control capabilities, and irregular flight patterns at low altitudes.
The HGV successfully separated from the booster after reaching the target altitude and performed the planned flight without issues in a hypersonic environment.
Notably, after separation, the glide vehicle descended at low altitude, changing its trajectory freely in both vertical and horizontal directions, and accurately struck the designated target, according to the presidential office.
The Blue House explained that the success of this test signifies the completion of preparations to secure a new deterrent capable of striking key targets in the Korean Peninsula's battlefield environment.
Before the test, President Lee received a briefing on the launch plan from the lead researcher at the Defense Science Research Institute and confirmed that the use of a fixed launch pad on a barge was for safety reasons.
After being informed of the successful launch, President Lee encouraged the researchers, stating, "Your efforts have improved our national defense capabilities."
He added, "Our security must be secured by our own strength," promising that the government would support the development and deployment of advanced weapons to ensure that citizens have no worries.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the government should not rest on today's success but must further enhance the hypersonic glide vehicle to establish it as a robust strategic asset for future national security.
After observing the test launch, President Lee also inspected the high-power Hyunmoo-5 missile in the military's possession.
At this event, he stated, "Our military's strong self-defense capabilities will protect the peace and stability of South Korea."
The test launch was attended by officials from the Defense Science Research Institute, as well as Kang Geon-jak, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol, and Defense Acquisition Program Administration Chief Lee Yong-cheol.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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