[Herald Economy reporters Yoon Ho and Moon Hye-hyun] The South Korean government says the object that struck the HMM Namoo while it was anchored in the Strait of Hormuz was likely an Iranian anti-ship missile.
Deputy Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said at a briefing on May 27 that technical analysis indicates the unidentified aerial object is most likely a Noor-series anti-ship missile developed in Iran.
Investigators determined the Namoo was hit in two separate attacks by unidentified aerial objects. The first warhead failed to detonate; the second detonated. The engine resembles an Iranian turbojet, and some parts carry markings investigators believe are from an Iranian manufacturer.
Park said the first warhead appeared to be unexploded ordnance that remained largely intact and matched the warhead profile of Iran’s Noor or Qader anti-ship missiles.
Investigators recovered high-explosive material that had not detonated. The wreckage was painted sky blue, consistent with Noor-series missile paint and coloration. Circuit-board fragments were dated to roughly 20 to 30 years old, leading analysts to conclude the weapon was likely an older Noor variant.
The probe found the object struck from the stern; at the time, the ship’s stern was oriented about 156 degrees toward Iran.
Park said Seoul summoned Iran’s ambassador to explain the findings, lodge a strong protest over the strike on the vessel, and demand responsible measures to prevent a recurrence.
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