On August 5, North Korea announced the deployment of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launch systems, which were showcased during a parade in Pyongyang on August 4. These systems, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, will be stationed near the DMZ to enhance North Korea’s military strength on the front lines. Kim Jong Un emphasized the strategic importance of these new weapons in his speech, criticizing the US and its allies for forming a “nuclear-based military bloc” and framing the expansion as a necessary response to this threat. He also stated that this deployment is just the beginning of a broader plan to advance missile capabilities near the border, with future upgrades to follow.
In response, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, represented by spokesperson Lee Sung-joon, mentioned that they are still evaluating the situation and suggested that the missiles are likely short range. Lee also revealed that South Korea and the US had detected preparatory movements in Pyongyang prior to the parade and noted that North Korea has previously announced similar developments of mobile launchers.
The Hwasong-11D, also known as Hwasongpho-11Ra, is a notable element of North Korea’s missile arsenal. As a short-range ballistic missile system from the KN-23 series, it combines mobility and rapid deployment to enhance its strategic importance.
The Hwasong-11D’s key features are:
1. Range and Payload: The Hwasong-11D has a firing range between 180-300 km (112-186 miles), allowing it to strike various targets in South Korea, including the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area and key sites like Camp Humphreys. It can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads, amplifying its threat level.
2. Deployment and Mobility: Each TEL (transport-erector-launcher) vehicle can launch four missiles, meaning North Korea could potentially deploy a large number of missiles in a short time. The system's mobility enables rapid repositioning, making it challenging for adversaries to target and neutralize these missile units.
3. Combat Performance: The KN-23, the precursor to the Hwasong-11D, has been used in combat situations, such as in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, where it reportedly faced a high failure rate. This may indicate potential reliability issues in actual combat scenarios.
4. Strategic Value: The Hwasong-11D’s mobility, quick deployment, and capacity for nuclear payloads enhance its strategic value. Its ability to launch from multiple and concealed positions further increases its survivability and complicates defensive measures against it.
In response, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, represented by spokesperson Lee Sung-joon, mentioned that they are still evaluating the situation and suggested that the missiles are likely short range. Lee also revealed that South Korea and the US had detected preparatory movements in Pyongyang prior to the parade and noted that North Korea has previously announced similar developments of mobile launchers.
The Hwasong-11D, also known as Hwasongpho-11Ra, is a notable element of North Korea’s missile arsenal. As a short-range ballistic missile system from the KN-23 series, it combines mobility and rapid deployment to enhance its strategic importance.
The Hwasong-11D’s key features are:
1. Range and Payload: The Hwasong-11D has a firing range between 180-300 km (112-186 miles), allowing it to strike various targets in South Korea, including the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area and key sites like Camp Humphreys. It can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads, amplifying its threat level.
2. Deployment and Mobility: Each TEL (transport-erector-launcher) vehicle can launch four missiles, meaning North Korea could potentially deploy a large number of missiles in a short time. The system's mobility enables rapid repositioning, making it challenging for adversaries to target and neutralize these missile units.
3. Combat Performance: The KN-23, the precursor to the Hwasong-11D, has been used in combat situations, such as in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, where it reportedly faced a high failure rate. This may indicate potential reliability issues in actual combat scenarios.
4. Strategic Value: The Hwasong-11D’s mobility, quick deployment, and capacity for nuclear payloads enhance its strategic value. Its ability to launch from multiple and concealed positions further increases its survivability and complicates defensive measures against it.