Update: South Korea conducts first test launch of indigenous HGV

South Korea conducted the first test launch of its indigenous hypersonic glide vehicle on October 8, 2026, with the presidential office reporting a successful strike on the designated target. After reaching its planned altitude and separating from the booster, the vehicle descended and manoeuvred both vertically and horizontally during its flight. The test evaluated heat-resistant materials, guidance and control systems, and irregular low-altitude flight in a hypersonic environment. Yonhap placed the barge-based launch at an Agency for Defense Development test centre in Taean; speed, range and an operational entry date were not disclosed.