Seoul: South Korea will begin deploying the Hyunmoo-5 missile by the end of this year as part of its strategic defense plan against potential threats from North Korea. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back disclosed this plan in a recent interview, emphasizing the missile's role in achieving a "balance of terror" comparable to North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back highlighted the strategic importance of the Hyunmoo-5 missile, describing it as a key element in South Korea's military strategy due to its significant power and capabilities. As a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, South Korea is unable to develop nuclear weapons, but Ahn believes that possessing a substantial stockpile of Hyunmoo-5 missiles will serve as an effective deterrent.
The mass production of the Hyunmoo-5 missile has already commenced, with efforts underway to enhance production output significantly. This ground-to-ground missile, often referred to as the "monster" missile, can carry a warhead weighing approximately eight tons, capable of destroying underground bunkers. It was first publicly revealed during last year's Armed Forces Day ceremony.
Minister Ahn also stressed the importance of expanding South Korea's military strike capabilities, mentioning the development of an upgraded version of the Hyunmoo-5 with an extended range and more powerful warhead. This comes amidst North Korea's continuous advancements in weapons development, potentially supported by Russia.
North Korea recently showcased its new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade attended by officials from Beijing and Moscow. Ahn speculated that North Korea might attempt to launch this new ICBM within the year, following movements observed near a missile launch pad.
Regarding North Korea's ICBM capabilities, Ahn noted that while the North's missiles could potentially reach the U.S. mainland, they have not yet mastered essential technologies such as atmospheric reentry or multiple warheads.
Additionally, Ahn expressed confidence in the South Korean government's goal to transfer conditions-based wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States to South Korea within President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term. Ahn cited significant progress made over the past two decades towards this objective.
The OPCON transfer requires South Korea to demonstrate the ability to lead combined forces and enhance its strike and air defense capabilities. Ahn dismissed concerns about a potential change in the role of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) following the OPCON handover, citing discussions with senior U.S. officials.
In response to the U.S. push for increased defense spending by allies, Ahn stated that South Korea aims to raise its defense budget to 3.5 percent of its GDP by 2035. The country's defense spending for next year has already increased by 8.2 percent, with a significant portion allocated to strengthening its deterrence structure against North Korea.
The upcoming annual defense ministerial meeting between Seoul and Washington is expected to address various security issues, including alliance modernization and the OPCON transition. Ahn, who is South Korea's first civilian defense chief in 64 years, emphasized the importance of a stable and proactive approach to defense spending and capability enhancement.