Defense Ministry categorizes NK projectiles as “new ballistic missile using solid fuel”

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense’s 2018 Defense White Paper categorizes the different types of missiles maintained or being developed by North Korea. The projectiles launched on May 4 and 9 are said to be similar to a new type of short-range ballistic missile that uses solid fuel (second from left).

Missile bears resemblance to one categorized in 2018 Defense White Paper

A short-range missile similar in form to the ones test-launched by North Korea on May 4 and 9 has been categorized by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) as a “new ballistic missile using solid fuel,” it was confirmed on May 12. Many military experts are speculating the missiles were a model commonly referred to as the “North Korean Iskander.” But military officials reserved judgment on the matter, claiming that the two missile types were identical and calling for additional analysis of the flight characteristics, range, speed, and altitude to determine whether the recently launched missiles were ballistic missiles.

A section of the 2018 Defense White Paper published by MND in January about the strategic forces operating North Korea’s missiles includes a diagram and illustration categorizing 14 “ballistic missiles being developed or maintained by North Korea” according to range. In the diagram, the MND listed a similarly shaped missile to the ones recently test-launched by North Korea in the category of “short-range ballistic missiles” (300–1,000km) alongside the Scud-B and Scud-C. An explanation describes the missile as “new [solid fuel],” indicating that the missile is a different type from the Scud and uses solid fuel.

Footage released by Korean Central Television of a test launch of short-range missiles on May 9. (Yonhap News)

The new short-range ballistic missile shown in the Defense White Paper is similar in many ways to the missile in images published by North Korea the day after the launch. It has a ring supporting the missile midway along its body, with wings attached at the engine portion. Images released by North Korea showed the ring detaching as the missile blasts off its transporter erector launcher (TEL). The wings are also clearly visible. The missile in question is believed to use solid fuel.

The missile made its first public appearance at a military review for the 70th anniversary of the North Korean armed forces’ establishment on Feb. 8 of last year. Military experts believe it to be an upgraded version of Russia’s Iskander short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile. The Iskander is known to be a difficult missile to intercept due to its complex flight trajectory, which includes a rapid descent from its peak altitude, followed by a horizontal flight pattern before dropping vertically over its target.

The missiles test-launched by North Korea are believed to have a maximum range of 500km. A launch from the front line near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) would put the entire South Korean territory within range. The Iskander is also known to travel roughly the same distance, depending on the model and flight method. The latest missiles were reported to be roughly 7m, shorter than the Scud-B or Scud-C.

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer

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