South Korea Armed Forces Day

On the 76th anniversary of South Korea's Armed Forces, the military showcased its advanced weaponry, including the newly unveiled Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, capable of carrying an 8-9 ton warhead and designed to neutralize underground facilities. The ceremony, held at Seoul Air Base and followed by a parade in downtown Seoul, featured about 5,000 troops and a range of military equipment, reaffirming South Korea's deterrent capabilities against North Korean threats. Analysts suggest the Hyunmoo-5, which has a range of approximately 5,000 km, parallels China's Dongfeng-31 ICBM and is integral to South Korea's KMPR strategy aimed at incapacitating North Korean leadership in case of conflict. The event included a display of the U.S. B-1B bomber, emphasizing the allied military collaboration amid rising tensions. This demonstration comes as North Korea has increased missile activities, including disclosing a uranium enrichment facility. The military's preparation highlights its commitment to a robust defense posture in light of evolving threats from the North.