[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Developing 'Next-Generation Guided Weapons' Targeting North Korean Tunnels

Tactical Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon (KTSSM)

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] A next-generation tactical surface-to-surface guided missile (KTSSM) capable of destroying North Korea's long-range artillery tunnel positions is being developed.

According to the military, the tactical surface-to-surface missile is being developed in two models. Last month, Defense Minister Seo Wook held the 131st Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee meeting via video conference and reviewed the mass production plan for the Tactical Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon-I model. The Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile-I is a missile that can penetrate and destroy North Korea's long-range artillery tunnel positions, capable of striking targets within an error range of 1 to 2 meters from 120 km away. It is also called the "Korean-style bunker buster." If the North Korean military attempts to launch long-range artillery, the tactical surface-to-surface guided weapon equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) can destroy the tunnel itself, neutralizing the long-range artillery early in the conflict.

After North Korea's Yeonpyeong Island shelling incident in November 2010, the military authorities quickly proceeded with development to respond to North Korea's long-range artillery attacks, but the development was only completed in January this year, taking a total of 10 years. From this year until 2025, a budget of 320 billion won will be invested to mass-produce about 200 rounds and deploy them in actual combat.

The follow-up model to the Tactical Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon-I is the II model with an extended range. The range has been increased by 30 km compared to the I model. The range will exceed 150 km, and the ballistic weight will also be significantly increased. Even when using a mobile launcher, the firing rate has been greatly reduced. Dozens of rounds can be fired within one minute. In particular, it will operate not only the penetration-type thermobaric warhead (Block-I) but also a single high-explosive warhead (Block-II). It can be used as a force to strike fixed facilities of North Korea's Scud ballistic missiles and 300mm multiple rocket launcher tunnels early in the conflict.

The military plans to revise requirements and complete the feasibility study by February next year. If the schedule proceeds as planned, system development can begin in 2022. The military expects to deploy the Tactical Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon-II from 2027.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.