[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] North Korea Strengthens Missile Bases... Key Forces Are

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Interest in North Korean missile bases is rising as a report reveals that North Korea is operating an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) unit in Hoejung-ri, Hwapyong County, Jagang Province.

On the 7th (local time), Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and researcher Joseph Bermudez published an analysis report on the Hoejung-ri missile operating base in Hwapyong County, Jagang Province, North Korea, on the North Korea-specialized online site "Beyond Parallel."

According to the report, the Hoejung-ri missile base, whose construction began in the late 1990s, is one of North Korea's Strategic Forces (which operate long-range missiles) bases. Although there are currently no signs of unit deployment, it is anticipated that if ICBMs cannot be deployed, intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) will be stationed there.

The Yeongjeo-ri missile base has been closely monitored by South Korea and the U.S. Through joint exercises, South Korea and the U.S. have conducted pinpoint strike training on 700 Joint Defense Planning Initiative (JDPI) sites, including nuclear facilities, key command facilities, and major missile bases. Most of these are major missile bases.

The military and defense research institutions currently classify North Korea's missile deployment lines into three belts for convenience.

The 1st belt is located 50 to 90 km north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where Scud brigades are stationed. With a range of 300 to 700 km, these missiles can target the entire South Korean territory. Approximately 400 Scud missiles are deployed, with around 40 transporter erector launchers (TELs) estimated.

The 2nd belt is established 90 to 120 km north of the DMZ and is managed by the Nodong missile brigades. More than 300 Nodong missiles with a range of 1,200 km are deployed, capable of striking U.S. forces stationed in Japan. The number of Nodong missile TELs is estimated to be around 30.

The 3rd belt is the rear area based on Cholsan in North Pyongan Province, Geomdeok Mountain in South Hamgyong Province, and Junggang in Jagang Province. Located 175 km north of the DMZ, this area is estimated to have 30 to 50 Musudan missiles deployed. These missiles can be launched while moving on about 30 TELs, capable of striking the Guam base. Furthermore, if ICBM-class KN-08 missiles are deployed in the 3rd belt, they could threaten not only Hawaii but also the U.S. mainland.

According to a report jointly prepared by South Korean and U.S. military authorities, North Korea is believed to possess up to 900 ballistic missiles, including approximately 440 Scud missiles. North Korea reportedly has 108 transporter erector launchers (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 430 (with 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).

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