South Korea has revealed its most formidable ballistic missile during a grand Armed Forces Day ceremony, showcasing its military might directed at North Korea. The unveiling took place as President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a stark warning, asserting that any attempt by North Korea to deploy nuclear weapons would lead to the collapse of Kim Jong Un’s regime.
Tensions between the two Koreas intensified after North Korea recently unveiled its uranium-enrichment facility and conducted missile tests in the run-up to the upcoming US presidential election. President Yoon addressed thousands of troops at a military airport near Seoul, emphasising that any nuclear provocation from North Korea would be met with a robust response from South Korea and the US alliance, ultimately spelling doom for the North Korean regime.
At the ceremony, South Korea exhibited approximately 340 military equipment and weapons systems, including its cutting-edge Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile. Military experts suggest that this missile, capable of carrying an 8-ton conventional warhead, has the ability to penetrate deep into the earth and annihilate North Korea’s underground bunkers. The US underscored its support by flying a long-range B-1B bomber during the event, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding its Asian ally. South Korea also showcased its advanced fighter jets during the ceremony, highlighting the country’s focus on bolstering its military capabilities.
President Yoon, known for his conservative stance, has prioritised strengthening the military alliance with the US and bolstering trilateral security cooperation between Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo to counter North Korea’s advancing nuclear ambitions since taking office in 2002. Over recent years, North Korea has conducted provocative missile tests and issued threats of preemptive nuclear strikes in potential conflicts with South Korea and the US.
North Korea’s unveiling of its uranium-enrichment facility last month sparked further concerns about its nuclear programme. The reclusive nation has pursued a strategy of escalating tensions through weapon tests ahead of the US election to gain leverage in future diplomatic negotiations with the incoming US administration. By expanding its nuclear arsenal, North Korea aims to secure significant concessions, such as extensive sanctions relief, from the United States.
In response to the US’s temporary military deployments in South Korea, North Korea’s vice defence minister, Kim Kang Il, condemned the actions and vowed strong retaliation. He pointed to recent visits by a US nuclear-powered submarine and the B-1B flyover as provocations warranting a robust response. Kim threatened to enhance North Korea’s “powerful war deterrent” – an implicit reference to its nuclear capabilities – and indicated measures to heighten security concerns for the US mainland, hinting at the possibility of test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US.
The escalating tensions between South Korea and North Korea underscore the volatile nature of the region and the ongoing arms race that threatens stability in East Asia.
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