Increased Number of Rocket Launcher Platforms Precisely Targeting Gyeryongdae

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea has significantly strengthened its rocket artillery forces, which pose the greatest threat to South Korea. In particular, it is analyzed that the number of 300mm rocket launchers, capable of targeting the Chungnam Gyeryongdae where the Army, Navy, and Air Force Headquarters are located, has increased, enabling simultaneous strikes.

North Korea's rocket artillery is classified into 240mm, 300mm, and 600mm. The 240mm covers the Seoul metropolitan area, the 300mm covers the central region, and the 600mm covers the southern region, effectively placing major South Korean military bases within range for simultaneous strikes. Among these, it has been confirmed that North Korea has increased the number of 300mm rocket launchers. At the October 2015 military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Workers' Party founding, the number of 300mm rocket launchers revealed was eight. However, in just five years, the number of 300mm rocket launchers has increased to twelve.

It is difficult to intercept the 300mm rocket artillery flying at five times the speed of sound at low altitude. Although the South Korean military plans to establish a 'Kill Chain' system to destroy North Korean missiles, intercepting rocket artillery mounted on vehicles that move stealthily before launch is not an easy task.

The North Korean version of the Stryker armored vehicle, which appeared for the first time at this parade, attracted attention due to its resemblance to the U.S. military's Stryker. Until now, North Korea has imitated Chinese and Russian armored vehicles, but the newly revealed armored vehicle is equipped with '4 axles and 8 wheels,' similar to the U.S. military's armored vehicles. A new tank equipped with a 115mm tank gun and the anti-tank missile 'Bulsae' also appeared for the first time. It is analyzed as a new type of tank completely different in appearance from the old Soviet T-52/55, T-62 tanks, and the copied Cheonmaho, Pokpungho, and Seongunho tanks.

A new vehicle-mounted SAM (surface-to-air missile) system capable of intercepting aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles also appeared for the first time. The North Korean version of the Iskander (KN-23) ballistic missile was mounted on both wheeled and tracked vehicles, and the North Korean version of the ATACMS tactical surface-to-surface missile was mounted on tracked vehicles. It appears to be mounted on tracked vehicles to facilitate mobility on unpaved roads and fields.

Personal weapons have also evolved. They showcased upgraded AK-47 rifles equipped with scopes and silencers, new bullpup rifles similar to Chinese rifles, and other personal combat gear. Notably, soldiers wearing digital-patterned uniforms similar to those of the South Korean military and uniforms resembling the U.S. military's Multicam appeared.

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