Lee Observes Successful Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Test Launch; Cheong Wa Dae: "Means to Strike Key Targets on Korean Peninsula"

Successful First Test Launch of Hypersonic Glide Vehicle
Accurately Hit Target After Irregular Glide Flight
Lee: "Further Advance It"... Urges Rapid Development and Deployment

President Lee Jae-myung observed the first test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) under development using South Korean technology. Cheong Wa Dae said preparations had been completed for a new means of striking key targets on the Korean Peninsula.

Kang Yoo-jung, senior presidential spokesperson, said in a written briefing that day, "The hypersonic glide vehicle launched in the test climbed to its target altitude and was successfully separated from its booster, then completed its planned flight without incident in a hypersonic environment." After separation, the vehicle descended to a low altitude and completed an irregular glide flight, freely changing its trajectory vertically and horizontally. It also accurately hit its designated target.

President Lee Jaemyung inspects weapons systems at the Marine Corps Yeonpyeong Unit in Ongjin County, Incheon, on June 24, 2026. Yonhap News.

A hypersonic glide vehicle is a missile that accelerates to the upper atmosphere using a booster, separates from it, and then glides at a low altitude. With its unpredictable flight path and overwhelming speed, it is classified as a key strategic asset capable of taking out major strategic targets by surprise in an emergency.

Assessing the successful launch, Kang said, "This is significant because it means preparations have been completed to fully secure a new deterrent capable of striking key targets in the Korean Peninsula's operational environment." Although she did not mention North Korea directly, her remarks appeared to emphasize strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang through the hypersonic glide vehicle.

President Lee received a briefing on the test launch plan from a principal researcher at the Agency for Defense Development and asked whether the decision to launch from a platform mounted on a fixed barge at sea was due to safety concerns. After hearing that the test launch had succeeded, Lee encouraged the researchers, saying, "Thanks to your hard work, our defense capabilities have improved."

Lee stressed, "We must secure our security through our own strength," adding, "The government will support the development and deployment of advanced weapons so that the people have nothing to worry about." He continued, "We must not rest on today's success. We need to further advance the hypersonic glide vehicle so that it can become a robust strategic asset that protects our security in the future," and called for its rapid development and deployment.

After observing the test launch, Lee viewed the South Korean military's high-powered Hyunmoo-5 missile and said, "Our military's strong self-reliant defense capabilities will safeguard peace and stability in the Republic of Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.