Germany will not deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine: Pistorius gave an unexpected reason

South Korea has successfully conducted its first technical flight tests of the Chonryeon cruise missile, designed specifically to target deeply fortified underground structures. This marks a significant milestone following two previous unsuccessful attempts earlier this year. The test took place on June 25 at the base of the 3rd Training and Combat Air Wing, where the missile separated from a light attack aircraft, ignited its propulsion system mid-air, and executed a stable flight—steps that had previously failed during launches in January and March.

The Chonryeon, also known as "Heavenly Dragon," is being developed as a response to North Korea's extensive network of underground bunkers and command centers, many of which are located within mountainous regions. These facilities are nearly inaccessible to conventional aerial bombs, making the new missile essential for striking such hardened targets. According to South Korean media reports, the Chonryeon will have a range exceeding 600 kilometers, surpassing the 500-kilometer range of Germany’s Taurus KEPD 350 missile currently in use by South Korea. While maintaining approximately 90% of the Taurus’ penetration capability, the Chonryeon will feature an even more effective warhead tailored for destroying multi-layered concrete underground structures.

The missile employs a combined guidance system capable of achieving accuracy within one to two meters, even under conditions of GPS jamming. To reduce detection likelihood, it will fly at low altitudes, and its body design along with special coatings will minimize radar visibility. One of the key advantages of the Chonryeon is its fuel storage system. Unlike the Taurus, which requires refueling immediately before combat deployment, the Chonryeon can remain fully ready for use for five to ten years. This feature significantly reduces the time between receiving an order and delivering a strike.

If the program progresses according to plan, the development of the Chonryeon is expected to be completed by 2028, with serial production beginning in 2029. Deployment on active service is anticipated in the early 2030s. The primary carrier will be the advanced South Korean fighter jet KF-21 Borame, although the missile will also be integrated with other aircraft including the FA-50, KF-16, and F-15K.

South Korea plans to gradually replace imported Taurus missiles with domestically produced Chonryeons. Previously, the country purchased 260 Taurus missiles, but military officials believe this number is insufficient for potential conflicts on the Korean Peninsula. Domestic production aims to ensure national independence in creating high-precision long-range weaponry and strengthen South Korea’s deterrence against North Korea.

In addition to the Chonryeon project, South Korea and Germany are collaborating on the development of a new anti-aircraft missile called C-PGM/ESHORAD. Designed by German company Rheinmetall and South Korean firm LIG Defense & Aerospace, this missile can be used to intercept guided bombs or precision-guided munitions. However, practical application in Ukraine might face several challenges due to various factors. A representative from LIG mentioned at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition in Paris that the new missile will have a range of 20 kilometers and a declared maximum operational altitude of around 6-7 kilometers, though actual target engagement is likely to occur at lower altitudes.

As South Korea continues to enhance its defense capabilities, the successful testing of the Chonryeon represents a strategic move towards self-reliance in military technology. With the planned integration into various fighter jets and the eventual replacement of foreign-made systems, South Korea is positioning itself to better address regional security concerns while reducing dependency on external suppliers.