In the aftermath of the North Korean test, South Korea announced yesterday that it was deploying a new cruise missile capable of striking anywhere in the North. The new missile, which the military did not name but experts say is known as the Hyunmoo, has a range of 930 miles and consists of entirely homegrown technology, according to Voice of America.
The new cruise missile, which the South Korean military introduced with video of successful firing tests, makes a strong contrast with the North’s earlier failure. The timing of the announcement is not accidental; The New York Times reports that South Korean officials said it was meant to be a message to the North that Seoul is not intimidated by Pyongyang’s recent saber-rattling.
Voice of America notes that South Korea is bound by treaty with the US to not deploy ballistic missiles with a range of more than 180 miles. But cruise missiles, which travel more slowly and close to the ground, are exempted from the treaty.
