South Korea's Military Might: Unveiling the 'Monster Missile' and Strategic Alliance with the US

Tuesday 01 October 2024 - 17:00

In a bold display of military prowess, South Korea hosted an annual Armed Forces Day parade in Seoul, showcasing its advanced weaponry and strategic partnership with the United States. The event, a departure from the country's infrequent military parades of the past, was a powerful statement of readiness to counter North Korean threats.

The highlight of the parade was the unveiling of the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, a formidable asset capable of carrying an eight-ton warhead and designed to penetrate underground bunkers. Dubbed the 'monster missile' by South Korean media, it was a centerpiece of the event, drawing attention to its role in the country's 'three-axis' defense system against North Korean nuclear provocations.

With a range exceeding 3,100 miles when topped with a one-ton warhead, the Hyunmoo-5 is a short-range missile with a powerful punch. President Yoon Suk Yeol, who revived the tradition of annual military parades, emphasized the missile's significance in his speech, warning North Korea against nuclear aggression and celebrating the launch of the Strategic Command to counter such threats.

The parade also featured a historic flypast by a US B-1B strategic bomber, a rare occurrence that underscored the strong alliance between the two nations. The US Eighth Army band and an armored Stryker brigade also participated, adding to the spectacle and symbolism of the event.

However, the parade was not without criticism. Some opposition lawmakers and activists in Seoul likened it to past military governments, questioning its cost and purpose. The defense ministry, however, defended the parade, citing its positive impact on troop morale, defense exports, and deterrence against North Korea.

As tensions between the two Koreas remain high, South Korea's military parade sends a clear message of strength and readiness. With its advanced weaponry, including the 'monster missile,' and the support of the US, South Korea is poised to respond decisively to any North Korean aggression.