South Korea tests hypersonic missile

South Korea tested its first hypersonic weapon, the Hyunmoo-5, on October 8. The test was observed by President Lee Jae Myung, who reportedly watched a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) in the research and development phase, using national technologies, as stated in a presidential office statement.

North Korea claims hypersonic test

North Korea claimed to have tested the Hwasong-11-KN23 missile on September 20, which is said to carry a warhead transported by a hypersonic glide vehicle. Pyongyang also reportedly tested a missile with artificial intelligence on October 3, allowing it to change trajectory at low altitude, though it is unclear if this was a hypersonic missile.

Hypersonic missiles defined

Hypersonic missiles are vehicles capable of reaching speeds of at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), or more than 6,100 km/h. They are equipped with maneuverability and can travel thousands of kilometers. There are two types: hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), carried by ballistic missiles, and hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs), which use scramjet propulsion to maintain a constant speed of at least Mach 5.

Global hypersonic capabilities

China is said to be the only country with real operational hypersonic capabilities, including the DF-17 and DF-27 glide vehicles and the CJ-1000 cruise missile, though the latter has never been seen. Russia claims hypersonic capabilities, particularly with the Zircon and Kinjal missiles, but these are more maneuvering ballistic missiles. The performance of Russia's Avangard glide vehicle remains unproven.

Other countries developing hypersonic weapons

North Korea is working on hypersonic technology, though its progress is uncertain. The United States is deploying the Dark Eagle, a ground-to-ground missile with a range of more than 3,000 km. France has tested the V-Max hypersonic glide vehicle and is working on the ASN4G, a future air-launched nuclear missile scheduled for 2035, with a demonstrator called Themis recently tested.

Advantages and challenges of hypersonic missiles

The main advantage of hypersonic missiles over ballistic missiles is their maneuverability, making them very difficult to intercept by opposing defense systems. This makes them attractive for nuclear deterrence, especially for shorter ranges. However, developing hypersonic missiles is complex due to the extreme heat they must withstand and the vulnerability of moving parts to plasma during flight.