South Korea is moving to develop hypersonic missiles with a target of mass production by 2035, joining a growing list of countries investing in ultra-fast weapons.South Korea is accelerating efforts to develop hypersonic weapons, aiming to begin mass production by 2035 as the global arms race over next-generation missiles intensifies.
The program, led by Hyundai Rotem in partnership with the state-run Agency for Defense Development, is part of a broader push to strengthen deterrence in East Asia amid rising regional tensions.
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds above Mach 5, making them significantly faster than conventional systems.
Their speed, combined with the ability to maneuver mid-flight, makes them extremely difficult to intercept using existing missile defense systems.
Several countries — including the United States, Russia, and China — already operate such weapons, while others are racing to catch up.