SEOUL – As the proliferation of hypersonic missiles forces a global rethink of air defense strategies, Israel is actively urging South Korea to become a key partner in developing the next generation of interception technology to counter this emerging threat.
Yuval Baseski, Vice President of Israel's renowned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, told South Korea's Maeil Business Newspaper that both North Korea and Iran are investing heavily in their hypersonic missile programs, creating a new and urgent security challenge.
"Hypersonic missiles are opening a new era in the field of air defense," Baseski stated in the interview. "North Korea and Iran are dedicating significant resources to the development of these systems."
Baseski is scheduled to visit South Korea in September to attend the World Knowledge Forum, where he is expected to further discussions on joint cooperation.
The Hypersonic Game-Changer
Hypersonic weapons, which can fly through the atmosphere at speeds greater than Mach 5 while maneuvering both laterally and vertically, pose a formidable challenge to existing defense systems. Conventional ballistic missiles travel on a predictable trajectory, while most cruise missiles are subsonic. Hypersonic glide vehicles, however, maintain high speeds at varying altitudes with unpredictable flight paths, making them exponentially more difficult to track and intercept.
This threat is no longer theoretical. In January, North Korea claimed it had successfully tested a new hypersonic missile. According to its state media, the missile reached an altitude of approximately 100 km before descending to 42.5 km and gliding towards a target in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Iran has also entered the field, unveiling its Fattah-1 missile in 2023.
A New Defensive Doctrine: "Zone Defense"
In the interview, Baseski warned that traditional missile defense methods are becoming obsolete.
"Every air defense system today is based on flying faster than the target," he explained. "But this principle does not apply to hypersonic missiles. To intercept an object moving at Mach 10, you would need a defense system moving at Mach 30, which is physically impossible in the atmosphere due to friction."
He compared the challenge to a game of basketball. "An interceptor tracking a hypersonic missile is like guarding LeBron James with only a single player," he said. "You can keep chasing him, but you won't stop him from scoring."
Instead, Baseski proposed a "zone defense" model. In this concept, multiple interceptors are deployed to cover designated areas, engaging threats as they enter their specific defensive zone rather than attempting a long-range chase. Rafael is currently developing its Sky Sonic interceptor system based on this new doctrine.
Why South Korea is a Prime Partner
Baseski made a strong case for South Korea's involvement in the Sky Sonic project, citing the country's unique industrial and geographical expertise.
"South Korea's large-scale manufacturing capabilities are among the best in the world," he stated, highlighting the need for mass production to make a zone defense system viable. "Its understanding of mountainous terrain, which is rare in Israel, would also be invaluable for the system's development."
Furthermore, South Korea's growing reputation for fast and reliable defense exports makes it an attractive partner. Korean firms have delivered K9 self-propelled howitzers and FA-50 light combat aircraft to Poland faster than competing suppliers, earning praise from Warsaw for their efficiency.
A 'Blue Ocean' Market Opportunity
The commercial potential for a successful hypersonic defense system is immense. Baseski noted that there are currently no readily available solutions on the market, calling it a "unique opportunity to take the lead in the global market." He added, "If an effective system is developed first, it will yield significant strategic and economic results."
Market research firm Fortune Business Insights estimates the global air defense market will reach $95.7 billion this year, with demand expected to surge as hypersonic threats become more widespread.
Rafael has built its global reputation on battle-proven systems. Its multi-layered defense network, which includes the famous Iron Dome, has achieved an interception rate of over 90%. Baseski believes a partnership between Israel's proven technological innovation and South Korea's industrial might could produce the world's first, and best, solution to the hypersonic missile challenge.
