South Korea has released for the first time real images of the hypersonic cruise missile Hycore, highlighting its potential for launch from ships, submarines, aircraft, and land-based platforms.
Developed since 2018 by the Defense Development Agency (ADD) in partnership with Hanwha, the Hycore measures approximately 8.7 meters in length, weighs 2.4 tons, and can reach speeds up to Mach 6.2. The project uses a two-stage rocket to accelerate the missile before activating the scramjet engine, allowing it to “glide” over shock waves and maintain high speed with reduced drag.
The missile is part of a broader effort by Seoul to modernize its arsenal and respond to the growing threats from North Korea, which is developing its own hypersonic missiles and missile-equipped combat ships. The Hycore could be integrated with KDX-III Batch 2 destroyers via the KVLS-II system, KSS-III submarines with vertical launch cells, and potentially KF-21 or F-15K fighter jets, enhancing standoff attack capability against heavily defended targets.
Beyond its strategic role on the Korean Peninsula, the development of the Hycore reflects broader regional security concerns, including the advancement of China’s hypersonic capabilities.
South Korea is thus seeking weapons with significantly greater impact, capable of providing rapid response and precision against sophisticated threats, establishing the Hycore as a key element in the country’s military modernization.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @mason_8718 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Breaking news. South Korea has unveiled the Hycore hypersonic cruise vehicle launch. In 2024, it achieved Mach 6. Extremely advanced technologies were used, and anti-ship ability will be applied. land, air, and naval based variants are being prepared. The air-launched (KF-21)… pic.twitter.com/zkb6l85Yjb
— Mason ヨンハク (@mason_8718) September 4, 2025
