South Korea Hyunmoo-5 Missile Deployment 2026: NDS Warns of Persistent Invasion Threat

Their spears might be rusted, but they're still pointed at the heart of the peninsula. According to the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) released by the Ministry of National Defense, South Korea must remain hyper-vigilant against a North Korean invasion threat, even though the North's conventional forces are aged and poorly managed. To counter this, the military's begun deploying the 'monster' Hyunmoo-5 missile.

The Paradox of Aging Arsenals: NDS Warning 2026

As reported by Yonhap News, the latest NDS highlights a striking contradiction. While North Korea's hardware is largely 30 to 40 years old and suffers from chronic mismanagement, the risk of a sudden incursion hasn't faded. Analysts suggest that the North may lean more heavily on asymmetric tactics and surprise strikes to compensate for its crumbling traditional fleet, making 2026 a critical window for regional security.

Deploying the 'Monster': Hyunmoo-5 Takes Center Stage

In a direct response to these evolving threats, the South Korean military started the official deployment of the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile. This powerhouse features a massive 8-ton warhead—the largest of its kind—designed to penetrate deep underground bunkers. It's not just a weapon; it's a clear signal to Pyongyang that any conventional aggression's met with overwhelming force.

Diplomatic Chess: Special Envoy Proposal to Vance

It's not all about firepower, though. During recent high-level talks with U.S. Vice President Vance, the South Korean Prime Minister proposed that Washington send a special envoy to North Korea. This move reflects a dual-track strategy: maintaining a rock-solid defense while testing the waters for a diplomatic breakthrough.