Missile Hyunmoo-2

The Hyunmoo-2 was developed as an indigenous ballistic missile series to succeed the Hyunmoo-1. Development was governed by the Missile Technology Control Regime and bilateral agreements with the United States, which initially restricted performance. Over successive iterations, the system evolved from the initial 2A variant to the 2B and 2C models as these regulatory restrictions were modified or lifted.

This surface-to-surface ballistic missile system utilizes solid-fuel propulsion and is deployed on mobile transporter erector launchers. The 2A and 2B variants utilize four-axle vehicles, while the 2C employs a five-axle platform. The missile's external design, including its nose cone and truncated delta wing tail fins, shows similarities to the Russian Iskander system, as well as the American ATACMS and Israeli LORA. Guidance is provided by an inertial system. The 2C variant incorporates maneuvering fins on the warhead section, indicating a maneuverable reentry vehicle capability for terminal guidance and precision strikes against hardened targets. Warhead options are conventional, and the system is utilized for bunker-busting operations. A submarine-launched variant, designated Hyunmoo 4-4, is adapted for deployment from diesel-electric submarines.

The Republic of Korea Armed Forces is the sole operator of the Hyunmoo-2. The system is widely deployed and has been utilized in several live-fire exercises and response drills. In July 2017, the 2B variant was launched during a joint ballistic missile drill with United States forces. Technical incidents have occurred during operational use. In September 2017, a 2A missile failed and fell into the East Sea shortly after launch. In October 2022, a 2C missile malfunctioned during a response drill and crashed into a golf course in Gangneung. The submarine-launched 4-4 variant was first tested from a Dosan Ahn Changho-class vessel in September 2021.