Seoul:South Korea's defense ministry has dismissed claims made by North Korea regarding the recent test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jang Chang-ha, the director-general of North Korea's Missile Administration, suggested that South Korea's hypersonic vehicle test might not have achieved hypersonic flight. This assertion was based on the observation that the vehicle's exterior was "not stained with any soot," as reported by the North's Korean Central News Agency.
South Korea countered this claim, explaining that the HGV is equipped with advanced thermal-protection technology, which prevents any visible "soot" during hypersonic flight. The defense ministry also announced plans to further develop the technologies essential for the weaponization process of the HGV.
In an unusual public disclosure, Cheong Wa Dae revealed South Korea's first test launch of the HGV. The test was conducted amid escalating tensions between the two Koreas following a land mine explosion in the border area that injured three South Koreans. The primary objective of the launch was to test the HGV's super-high temperature thermal protection materials, along with its guidance and control systems, and its ability to perform irregular maneuvers at low altitudes.