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South Korea Unveils First Hypersonic Missile, Boosts Deterrence

10/23/2025

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) unveiled its first indigenous hypersonic air-to-ground missile (HAGM) at the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.
Designed for the KF-21 Boramae, the HAGM can exceed Mach 5 and has a 500–1,000 km range.
The development signals a strategic shift and increased deterrence against North Korea and China, though questions remain about flight testing, integration timelines, and production.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty, South Korea has prioritized military modernization to counter threats from North Korea. In 2010, it launched a defense program, awarding KAI a $1.5 billion contract for advanced fighter jets like the KF-21 Boramae. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to enhance deterrence capabilities amid evolving regional tensions, particularly with North Korea and China.

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Story summary

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) unveiled its first indigenous hypersonic air-to-ground missile (HAGM) at the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.
Designed for the KF-21 Boramae, the HAGM can exceed Mach 5 and has a 500–1,000 km range.
The development signals a strategic shift and increased deterrence against North Korea and China, though questions remain about flight testing, integration timelines, and production.

1 / 2