South Korea has successfully test-launched a new version of Hyunmoo-2B ballistic missile with its flight range extended from 500 to 800 km. This range enables the missile to reach anywhere in North Korea, defense sources in South Korea said. The test comes one day after North Korea conducted the 7th ballistic missile flight this year. The North also continues its nuclear and missile development in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The successful test was conducted from the Anheung test site operated by the Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD). “The test performed well and the missile met the key requirements of the normal blast, flight and the accuracy of hitting a target although the missile’s range was limited due to the test range limitations” Yonhap news agency reported. The defense ministry acknowledged the development of a ballistic missile with a range of 800 km and a payload of 500 kg, in accordance with the missile (development) guideline revised in 2012 between South Korea and the U.S., but did not confirm the test results.
In June last year, the Seoul successfully test-fired two Hyunmoo-2B missiles capable of carrying a one-tonne payload up to 500 Km. South Korea’s missile inventory also includes the Hyunmoo-2A ballistic missile, with a range of more than 300 km. South Korea also developed the Hyunmoo-3 cruise missile with a range of 1,000 km. The new missile is currently in a testing phase. The announcement did not provide details about its scheduled operability.
