Introduction to North Korean Ballistic Missiles
The North Korean Ballistic Missiles have a come a long way. North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests ranging from short range missiles targeting the Korean Peninsula to intercontinental ballistic missiles which can even reach United States of America.
North Korea started its missile testing program from the 1980’s. It conducted its first strategic missile test in 1984. North Korea’s missile program has seen a significant escalation under the leadership of Kim Jong Un.
Latest News on North Korean Ballistic Missiles
It seems that Russia has used North Korean Ballistic Missiles in Ukraine. The United Kingdom (UK) based Conflict Armament Research has analysed the Missile parts and it has been able to track them down to companies in the US, Europe and Asia. The components used in the Missile Navigation System were linked to these companies. What are the international agencies doing to monitor North Korea? is an important question which needs to be asked.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) says that Russia has utilized 24 North Korean Ballistic Missiles to attack Ukraine. According to them they have also identified the missiles as Hwasong-11 (also known as KN-23 and KN-24). The accuracy of these North Korean Missile was very less.
It is said that the known first use of North Korean Missiles against Ukraine was on December 30, 2023 in Zaporizhzhia.
2024 North Korean Ballistic Missiles News
North Korea launched several cruise missiles off the Eastern Coast. They tested the Pulhwasal-3-31 strategic cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Since the beginning of 2024 there is a heightened weapons testing by North Korea including an underwater nuclear weapon and a solid fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile. The United States, South Korea and Japan increased their Joint Military Exercises in North Korean tests.
Timeline of North Korean Ballistic Missiles Testing and Deployment
On March 9, 2020, North Korea tested 3 KN-25 missiles. North Korea conducted a few missile tests in March 2020. They tested two short range ballistic missiles on March 21, 2020. These missiles were like the KN-24 missile which North Korea tested in August 2019.
On the October 10, 2020, North Korea showcased a large road mobile liquid propellant Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) which is called the Hwasong-16 and a new solid propellant Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM). Hwasong-16 is larger than any other previous North Korean Ballistic Missiles making it difficult to conceal. The new SLBM’s launched on the October 10, 2020, suggested that there have been improvements in its range and payload.
UN Security Council condemned these missile tests but that’s generally of no use when it comes to North Korea.
In April North Korea fired a barrage of missiles from ground and air into the waters off the eastern coast. These weapons flew more than 150 kilometres (93 miles) at a low altitude.
In 2019 North Korea had conducted 13 missile tests which saw the launching of 25 Ballistic missiles. On the March 25, 2021 North Korea carried out the test launch of the upgraded KN-23 short range ballistic missile carrying a live warhead that correctly hit the simulated targets. The range of these missiles was just over 400 kms.
In the month of September North Korea conducted test of a new long range cruise missile which covered a distance of 1500 kms. These missiles hit a target in the North Korean waters. These missiles could carry nuclear warheads. They tested 2 unidentified ballistic missiles which flew for 800 kms and were launched from the North Korea city of Yangdok County. In this same month a Hypersonic Missile and an Anti-Aircraft Missile was also tested.
In October 2021 North Korea tested a SLBM which was launched from Sinpo Class Submarine named, ‘Hero 8.24’.
2022
North Korea tested more than 78 missiles of different kinds in this year. These included short range ballistic missiles, long range cruise missiles, short range tactical devices and 1 Hwasong-15 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
2023
- Hwasal-2 Strategic Cruise Missile
- A dozen plus Missiles
- An ICBM which travelled for 73 minutes for about 1,000 (621 miles).
Check the factsheet on North Korean Missile Program by clicking here
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Conclusion
The North Korean Ballistic Missile, Cruise Missile and Strategic Missile Program has seen a significant number of tests and launches in the past five years. The tests and launches are increasing under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. The International Community should remain vigilant in this complex task of dealing with the implications of North Korea’s expanding missile technology.