South Korea to Deploy ‘Monster Missile’ Hyunmoo 5, Marking Major Defence Leap

South Korea is set to deploy its powerful Hyunmoo 5 ballistic missile by the end of this year, marking a crucial upgrade in its conventional deterrence capabilities against North Korea. Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced that the country plans to possess a “considerable amount” of the missile to establish a “balance of terror” on the Korean peninsula.

Hyunmoo 5: The ‘Monster Missile’

Dubbed the “monster missile” due to its massive size and destructive power, the Hyunmoo 5 is a high-powered, ground-to-ground ballistic missile weighing approximately 36 tonnes. It is capable of carrying an eight-tonne warhead designed to penetrate heavily fortified underground bunkers. With a length of around 16 metres, the missile’s range varies between 600 km and 5,000 km, making it one of South Korea’s most formidable non-nuclear weapons.

Origins and Development

The development of Hyunmoo 5 began in 2010 after a series of attacks by North Korea. However, progress was initially restricted by US-imposed limits on South Korea’s missile capabilities to reduce regional tensions. These restrictions were lifted in 2017 under the administration of then-US President Donald Trump following North Korea’s hydrogen bomb test. The missile was first unveiled publicly during the Armed Forces Day ceremony in October 2024.

Strategic Significance and Military Autonomy

South Korea, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), relies on the US nuclear umbrella for protection. Yet, growing provocations from the North have intensified Seoul’s push for military autonomy. President Lee Jae Myung has repeatedly called for reducing dependence on American forces, criticising what he termed a “submissive mindset.” He has pledged to increase South Korea’s defence budget to $47.1 billion, aiming to position the country as the world’s fourth-largest defence industry power.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Hyunmoo 5 weighs around 36 tonnes and can carry an eight-tonne bunker-busting warhead.
• The missile’s range varies from 600 km to 5,000 km, depending on payload configuration.
• Development began in 2010 and was publicly unveiled on Armed Forces Day in October 2024.
• South Korea’s 2025 defence budget stands at $47.1 billion — about 1.4 times North Korea’s annual GDP.

Rising Tensions and Regional Implications

The announcement comes amid heightened military activity by North Korea, which recently launched short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan ahead of the APEC summit in Seoul. The deployment of Hyunmoo 5 signals South Korea’s intent to strengthen its deterrence capabilities and achieve strategic balance, though analysts warn it may further escalate tensions on the peninsula.