S Korea developing missile as powerful as nuclear weapon

Three-ton missile designed to destroy underground facilities by penetrating tunnels to effectively nullify nuclear launches.

South Korea is in the final stages of developing a surface-to-surface ballistic missile as powerful as a tactical nuclear warhead, Yonhap news agency reported, as the country unveiled budget proposals aimed at bolstering its defences against North Korea. According to the report published on Thursday, the new weapon can carry a warhead of up to three tons (2,721kg) with a flight range of 350 to 400 km (217 to 248 miles). The missile is designed to destroy underground missile facilities and bases by penetrating underground tunnels to effectively nullify nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) ahead of their launches. The report said it can also reach all areas of North Korea if fired from around the inter-Korean border.