[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] The '3 Major New Weapons' to Watch at North Korea's Military Parade

On the 10th, North Korea unveiled a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of targeting the U.S. mainland during the 75th anniversary military parade of the Workers' Party founding. The new ICBM is longer and has a larger diameter than the Hwasong-15 model. A transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels carried the new ICBM. The Rodong Sinmun published about 10 photos of the new ICBM, including the one above. 2020.10.10 [Captured from the Rodong Sinmun website. Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] On the 10th, North Korea unveiled a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party.

In the parade, which was broadcast as a recorded program by North Korea's Korean Central TV in the afternoon, the new ICBM mounted on an 11-axle, 22-wheel (22 wheels) transporter erector launcher (TEL) appeared as the final item.

On the 10th, North Korea revealed a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party, which is estimated to have the capability to strike the U.S. mainland. Judging by the number of wheels on the TEL alone, the missile is longer and thicker in diameter than the last developed ICBM, the Hwasong-15 (9 axles, 18 wheels), suggesting an increased range. The existing Hwasong-15 was 21 meters long, but the newly revealed ICBM is estimated to be about 23 to 24 meters, 2 to 3 meters longer. Visually, the diameter also appears slightly larger than the Hwasong-15's 2 meters. The increase in missile body length and diameter may indicate the addition of three auxiliary engines to the first-stage propulsion system to increase thrust. Increasing thrust extends the range.

The TEL for the new ICBM also differs in appearance from the existing Hwasong-15 TEL. It is analyzed that TEL manufacturing technology has advanced. Military experts emphasize that attention should be paid more to the TEL than to North Korea's threatening missiles. Unlike fixed missile bases, TELs are not restricted by time and place, making them more threatening. According to a joint report by South Korean and U.S. military authorities, North Korea is believed to possess up to about 900 ballistic missiles and approximately 440 Scud missiles. North Korea reportedly has 108 TELs. By missile type, the number of Scud missiles and TELs capable of carrying Scud missiles is the highest. The number of Scud missiles is estimated at up to about 430 (36 TELs). Following are 27 Musudan missiles (27 TELs), about 330 Nodong missiles (27 TELs), about 100 KN-02 missiles (12 TELs), and a total of 12 KN-08 and KN-14 missiles (6 TELs). Military authorities estimate that North Korea has significantly increased the number of TELs.

Additionally, North Korea unveiled a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) at the parade. The new SLBM body shown on North Korean Central TV clearly displayed the inscription "Pukguksong-4." It is estimated to have a slightly larger diameter than the first SLBM, Pukguksong-1, or the Pukguksong-3 launched last year. It appears to be intended for 3,000-ton class submarines or 4,000 to 5,000-ton class submarines that North Korea is presumed to be constructing.

Defense Minister Seo Wook stated that North Korea is building a 4,000 to 5,000-ton class submarine capable of carrying up to six submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). He also requested a correction of his statement. At the time, there was speculation inside and outside the military that the information was prematurely disclosed. North Korea launched the Pukguksong-1 SLBM from a Gorae-class submarine in August 2016. On October 2 last year, it launched the Pukguksong-3, which has an extended range compared to the Pukguksong-1, from an underwater barge. There is a possibility that the Pukguksong series SLBMs are equipped with nuclear warheads.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.