South Korea will unveil its new Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile and other key weapons systems this week as part of celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the country's armed forces. According to official sources, this is happening against the background of growing tension and provocations from North Korea, as reported by the Yonhap agency.
The Hyunmoo-5 missiles, capable of carrying warheads weighing 8-9 tons, will be demonstrated during a ceremony at Seoul's Songnam Air Base, as well as during a military parade in the center of the capital on Tuesday. In addition, the event will feature the US B-1B bomber, a supersonic strategic aircraft that can reach the Korean Peninsula in two hours from its base in Guam.
Last year, South Korea already demonstrated the Hyunmoo-4 missile. Military officials say the Hyunmoo-5 is a "more destructive" version of its predecessor. The missile is part of the Hyunmoo series of ballistic and cruise missiles, which play a key role in the Korean Mass Punishment and Retribution (KMPR) strategic plan to destroy the North Korean leadership in the event of a major conflict.
The Hyunmoo surface-to-surface missile is one of the main elements of Seoul's deterrence system in response to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. Amid growing tensions in the region, the display of new weapons underscores South Korea's determination to ensure its national security.
