Latest news with #missiletest
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Inside South Korea's secretive air defence hub that aims to scramble jets in 2 minutes
South Korea has lifted the veil on a key nerve centre of its air defences, offering a rare look inside the facility tasked with responding to threats from North Korea and beyond in as little as two minutes. On Wednesday, local media were given access to the Korea Air and Space Operations Center (KAOC), a highly secured command post located within Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, about 60km south of Seoul. From here, South Korean and US forces monitor and coordinate aerial responses across the Korean peninsula – a capability that has become increasingly vital as North Korea advances its missile and nuclear programmes. The unveiling comes amid growing alarm in Seoul over Pyongyang's push to develop smaller, tactical nuclear weapons and diversify its delivery platforms. On May 15, North Korea carried out its first publicly acknowledged live-fire test of a medium-range air-to-air missile, fired from a MiG-29 fighter jet during drills attended by leader Kim Jong-un South Korean officials are also concerned that the North's weapons development may be receiving a technological boost from Russia, in exchange for Pyongyang's reported support for Moscow's war in Ukraine – a relationship that has triggered fresh unease in Washington and Tokyo. Then-US President Joe Biden and then-South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol visit the Korea Air and Space Operations Centre at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on May 22, 2022. Photo: Reuters Meanwhile, South Korea's air defence identification zone has seen a growing number of incursions by Chinese and Russian military aircraft, adding to the operational strain on KAOC personnel.
Times
17-05-2025
- Science
- Times
Royal Navy warship destroys supersonic missile in weapons test
A Royal Navy warship has obliterated a supersonic missile in a historic first for the service in a test off the coast of Scotland. HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, launched a specially modified Sea Viper missile at an incoming high-speed target. It marks the first time the Royal Navy has faced down such a target — one that is challenging due to its speed and its ability to carry out corkscrew and weave manoeuvres. The Sea Viper launched was a specially modified telemetry version, designed to record measurements and valuable data to inform future operations. The missile firing took place as part of Exercise Formidable Shield, the largest annual live-firing exercise in Europe. The Portsmouth-based ship showcased its ability to defend itself and other
