Defense ministry refutes Pyongyang's claim questioning Seoul's test of hypersonic glide vehicle
South Korea's defense ministry on Thursday refuted a claim by North Korea's missile chief that questions Seoul's recent test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). Earlier in the day, Jang Chang-ha, director-general of North Korea's Missile Administration, claimed that South Korea's test of the HGV may not have achieved hypersonic flight because its outside appearance was "not stained with…
South Korea's defense ministry on Thursday dismissed North Korea's missile chief's assertion regarding Seoul's recent test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). Earlier, Jang Chang-ha, the director-general of North Korea's Missile Administration, suggested that the South Korean test might not have reached hypersonic speed due to the vehicle's exterior not showing any soot, as reported by the North's Korean Central News Agency.
The missile chief's claim was based on photos provided by South Korea following the test on the previous Thursday. However, Seoul's defense ministry refuted this by stating that the vehicle possesses advanced thermal-protection technology, making the visible soot impossible during hypersonic flight. The military further explained that it intends to further develop the technologies involved in the weaponization process of the HGV.
In a rare public disclosure of key military advancements, Cheong Wa Dae announced the first test launch of the HGV. This development occurred amid escalating inter-Korean tensions following a land mine explosion in the border area that injured several personnel.
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