DPRK Tests New Sub-launched Missile


PrintEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInCopy Link

On October 2, North Korea launched a presumed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from waters near Wonsan on the country’s east coast. According to South Korean and Japanese officials, the missile flew 450 km and reached an altitude of 900 km before landing in Japan’s EEZ near Shimane Prefecture. While initially reported as two projectiles, Japan’s Ministry of Defense later stated that part of the missile broke away and landed in the sea. The projectile, believed to be a new Pukguksong-series missile, is reportedly capable of reaching 1,900 km on a minimum-energy trajectory. 

Update: On October 3, North Korean state media confirmed the launch of the Pukguksong-3, a “new-type” submarine-launched ballistic missile. Imagery released of the underwater launch suggest the missile is a cold-launched solid-fueled system.