South Korean military showcases new ballistic missile on 76th anniversary of its founding

By Anadolu staff

The South Korean military on Tuesday displayed military might on the 76th anniversary of the founding of its armed forces, showcasing a new ballistic missile, Hyunmoo-5, local media reported.

The ceremony, held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, south of the capital Seoul, was attended by President Yoon Sul Yeol, first lady Kim Keon Hee and senior government and military officials.

Some 5,000 troops and 340 military equipment, including Hyunmoo surface-to-surface missiles, K9 self-propelled howitzers and quadruped robots, were showcased at the ceremony, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

The new ballistic missile Hyunmoo-5 can carry a warhead weighing 8-9 tons and is capable of destroying underground bunkers, according to the news agency.

Addressing the ceremony, Yoon warned that North Korea would face the end of its regime if Pyongyang attempted to use nuclear weapons against his country.

Yoon said the newly formed Strategic Command will integrate the South Korean military's advanced conventional capabilities with the US extended deterrence, including nuclear weapons.

"Our military will immediately retaliate against North Korea's provocations based on its robust combat capabilities and solid readiness posture," the South Korean president said, adding: "If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-US alliance. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime."

Last month, North Korea publicly disclosed a uranium enrichment facility for the first time, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, as leader Kim Jong Un called for an expansion of the country's nuclear capabilities.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid