Defense ministry refutes Pyongyang's claim questioning Seoul's test of hypersonic glide vehicle

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SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense ministry on Thursday refuted a claim by North Korea's missile chief that questions Seoul's recent test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV).

Earlier in the day, Jang Chang-ha, director-general of North Korea's Missile Administration, claimed that South Korea's test of the HGV may not have achieved hypersonic flight because its outside appearance was "not stained with any soot," according to the North's Korean Central News Agency.

Jang cited photos provided by South Korea after last Thursday's test, but Seoul's defense ministry countered by saying the vehicle has advanced thermal-protection technology and the visible appearance of "soot" is impossible during hypersonic flight.

South Korea's military "plans to further develop technologies involved in the weaponization process of the HGV," the ministry said.

In a rare public disclosure of the development of key military assets, Cheong Wa Dae unveiled South Korea's first test launch of the HGV.

The test came amid rising inter-Korean tensions following the recent explosion of a land mine in the border area that injured three South Koreans.

The launch was aimed at testing super-high temperature thermal protection materials, guidance and control systems, as well as irregular maneuverability at low altitudes, Cheong Wa Dae said at that time.

South Korea test-fires a hypersonic glide vehicle from the Agency for Defense Development for the first time on Oct. 8, 2026, in this photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Defense ministry refutes Pyongyang's claim questioning Seoul's test of hypersonic glide vehicle

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首尔，10 月 15 日（韩联社）——韩国国防部周四驳斥了朝鲜导弹负责人对首尔最近试射高超音速滑翔飞行器 (HGV) 的质疑。

当天早些时候，据朝鲜中央通讯社报道，朝鲜导弹管理局局长张昌河声称，韩国的HGV试验可能没有实现高超音速飞行，因为其外观“没有沾染任何烟灰”。

张先生引用了韩国方面在上周四测试后提供的照片，但首尔国防部反驳称，该飞行器具有先进的热防护技术，在超音速飞行过程中不可能出现可见的“烟尘”。

韩国国防部表示，韩国军方“计划进一步开发重型车辆武器化过程中涉及的技术”。

青瓦台罕见地公开披露了关键军事资产的研发进展，并公布了韩国首次试射重型运输车（HGV）的计划。

此次试验正值朝韩关系日益紧张之际，此前边境地区发生地雷爆炸，造成三名韩国人受伤。

青瓦台当时表示，此次发射旨在测试超高温热防护材料、制导和控制系统，以及低空不规则机动能力。

2026年10月8日，韩国首次试射由国防发展局研制的高超音速滑翔飞行器。这张照片由青瓦台提供。（照片非卖品）（韩联社）

韩国国防部驳斥平壤方面质疑首尔高超音速滑翔飞行器试验的说法