Military Reports 'North Launch' Analysis to Transition Team... Possible Advances in Tactical Nuclear Operation System

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un observing the test launch of a 'new tactical guided weapon.' (Image source=Yonhap News)

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[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Military authorities reportedly informed the Presidential Transition Committee (Transition Committee) that the new tactical guided missile North Korea launched on the 16th may represent some progress as a delivery system for tactical nuclear weapons.

A Transition Committee official said on the 17th, "We received the information almost immediately after yesterday's launch," adding, "(Based on the analysis of specifications) there is indeed a possibility that this represents progress in the tactical nuclear operational system." The military authorities have been sharing analyses regarding the nature of the projectile with the Transition Committee, which is also closely monitoring the potential security implications of this launch.

On the same day, North Korea announced through state media that Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un observed the test launch of the new tactical guided missile. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff analysis, the projectile reached an altitude of approximately 25 km, flew about 110 km, and was detected at a maximum speed below Mach 4.0. Notably, North Korea stated, "This new tactical guided missile system significantly enhances the firepower strike capability of frontline long-range artillery units and holds great significance in strengthening the effectiveness of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's tactical nuclear operations and diversifying firepower missions." A Transition Committee official said, "We understand that there is an internal analysis within the authorities suggesting that North Korea's announcement today may have substance," and added, "It is being taken seriously."

It is a known fact that North Korea has been technically upgrading its short-range missiles to effectively operate them as tactical nuclear weapons capable of carrying small nuclear warheads. However, evidence confirming that North Korea has secured miniaturization technology for nuclear warheads has not yet been identified. Nonetheless, this test launch is analyzed as demonstrating North Korea's continued pursuit of upgrading delivery systems for tactical nuclear weapons. There is also an interpretation that this may be a gradually more overt indication of their intention to tacticalize nuclear weapons.

After North Korea's report, the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed belatedly that two projectiles were launched from the Hamhung area toward the East Sea around 6 p.m. the previous day. Since the military authorities usually announce missile launches immediately after they occur, attention was drawn to the reason for the delayed disclosure this time. There was also interest in when President-elect Yoon or the Transition Committee received reports and analyses related to the launch.

Baek Hyunjin, spokesperson for the President-elect, initially stated in a morning briefing that "other than the President-elect, members of the Transition Committee confirmed the report after seeing the news this morning." However, a Transition Committee official revealed that the information was shared almost immediately with the Transition Committee's Foreign Affairs and Security Subcommittee following the detection of the launch the previous day. Considering the need for precise specification analysis and the security sensitivity of the matter, the Transition Committee did not immediately disclose the fact that they had received the report to the public.

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