Kim Jong-un Observes Test Launch of New Tactical Guided Weapon... JCS "Analyzing Specifications" (Comprehensive Report 2)

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 17 Apr.2022 08:01(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu, Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea conducted a test launch of a new tactical guided weapon under the observation of Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party. At this event, General Secretary Kim ordered to "further strengthen nuclear combat forces." The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that South Korean and U.S. authorities are analyzing the specifications of the launched missile.

Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on the 17th that "the test launch was successfully conducted."

The agency claimed, "This new tactical guided weapon system, developed under the special attention of the Party Central Committee, significantly enhances the firepower strike capability of frontline long-range artillery units and holds great significance in improving the effectiveness of tactical nuclear operations and diversifying firepower missions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

KCNA also reported that General Secretary Kim "revealed the Party Central Committee's vision for prospective national defense strengthening and gave resolute guidance to further enhance the country's defense capabilities and nuclear combat forces."

Furthermore, General Secretary Kim "highly praised the achievements continuously made by the defense science research sector in achieving the core war deterrence goals presented at the 8th Party Congress of our Party," and "warmly congratulated them in the name of the Party Central Committee," KCNA conveyed.

This 'goal' refers to the national defense development objectives presented by the North Korean Workers' Party at the 8th Party Congress held last January, including ▲ promotion of nuclear weapon miniaturization and tactical weaponization ▲ production of super-large nuclear warheads ▲ improvement of strike accuracy within a 15,000 km range ▲ development and introduction of hypersonic glide vehicle warheads ▲ development of underwater and ground solid-fuel engines for intercontinental ballistic missiles ▲ possession of nuclear submarines and underwater-launched nuclear strategic weapons ▲ operation of military reconnaissance satellites ▲ development of 500 km unmanned reconnaissance drones, among others.

Present at the test launch observation site were Kim Jong-sik, Vice Director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, senior officials of the Ministry of National Defense, and commanders of the Korean People's Army's large combined units.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The guided weapon tested this time was launched from a launch tube mounted on a mobile launcher vehicle and is presumed to be a partially modified version of the North Korean version of ATACMS (KN-24).

This missile launch, carried out a day before the South Korea-U.S. Combined Command Post Training (CCPT), marks the 13th show of force this year following the launch of what North Korea claims to be the 'Hwasong-17' intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the 24th of last month.

In this regard, the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated late the previous day that the launch was detected and the specifications are being analyzed. The Joint Chiefs said, "Our military detected two projectiles launched by North Korea from the Hamhung area toward the East Sea around 6 p.m. on the 16th," adding, "The South Korea-U.S. combined forces have been closely tracking North Korea's launch trends."

According to the Joint Chiefs, the detected launch specifications from the previous day include an altitude of about 25 km, a flight distance of approximately 110 km, and a maximum speed below Mach 4.0. South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of the specifications.

They further explained, "Immediately after the launch, an emergency meeting was held among the military, intelligence agencies, and the National Security Office to assess the situation and discuss response measures," adding, "The South Korea-U.S. combined forces are tracking North Korea's launch trends in real time and are taking all necessary measures related to surveillance and readiness."