Hypersonic missiles highlight arms race on Korean Peninsula
Both Seoul and Pyongyang have now tested weapons feared by military planners for their speed and ability to maneuver in flight.
North Korea recently conducted tests of two submarine-launched cruise missiles off its eastern coast, just days after leader Kim Jong Un visited a defense industry museum featuring an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. This comes just five days after South Korea successfully tested its first domestically developed hypersonic missile, following North Korea's own hypersonic intermediate-range missile test in October.
Both nations are racing to develop hypersonic technology due to its advanced capabilities, which allow for rapid acceleration and maneuverability, making interception challenging. Experts agree that such weapons pose a significant threat, as they are difficult to detect and destroy, and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.
The arms race on the Korean Peninsula has been ongoing for years, with North Korea's advancements likely driven by its pursuit of dominance and its ties with Russia. While it's uncertain whether North Korea's claims about its hypersonic missiles are true, military analysts advise treating them with caution and preparing for a potential increase in the threat level.
Both countries are developing these weapons in response to the other's advancements, creating a competitive environment that may ultimately have little impact on the overall balance of power. However, the proliferation of hypersonic missiles could lead to a greater emphasis on missile defense systems, not just in South Korea and Japan, but also in other affected regions.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
