Lee witnesses first hypersonic glide vehicle test launch, vows self-reliant defense

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday witnessed the inaugural test launch of a domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle, saying "our security must be secured by our own strength" and calling for the rapid operational deployment of advanced strategic assets.

Cheong Wa Dae Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing that Lee attended the test launch overseen by the Agency for Defense Development. A hypersonic glide vehicle is a missile that uses a booster to accelerate to the upper atmosphere before separating and gliding at low altitude. Its unpredictable flight trajectory and overwhelming speed allow it to strike key strategic targets by surprise, making it a critical strategic asset capable of shifting the course of a conflict.

The test was conducted to verify for the first time the performance of ultra-high-temperature heat-resistant materials — a core technology for glide vehicles in hypersonic flight conditions — along with guidance and control capabilities and the ability to maneuver irregularly at low altitude. The vehicle successfully reached its target altitude and separated from the booster. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, it then descended to low altitude and completed an irregular gliding flight, freely changing its trajectory both vertically and horizontally before striking the designated target with precision.

At the site, Lee received a briefing from a senior Agency for Defense Development researcher on the test plan and confirmed in advance whether the use of a barge as the launch platform was for safety reasons. After being informed of the successful launch, he praised the researchers for their efforts, saying, "Your hard work has improved our national defense capabilities."

Lee said "our security must be secured by our own strength" and added that "the government will provide support so that advanced weapons are developed and deployed operationally, leaving citizens with nothing to worry about." He also urged faster development and deployment, saying the government "must not rest on today's success but continue to advance the hypersonic glide vehicle so that it can take its place as a reliable strategic asset protecting our security in the future."

After observing the test launch, Lee inspected the Hyunmoo-5, a high-powered missile in the military's arsenal, and said "our military's strong self-reliant defense capabilities will protect the peace and stability of the Republic of Korea." The inaugural test launch was attended by Agency for Defense Development officials as well as the first deputy national security adviser, the minister of national defense and the head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.