N. Korea test launches “super-large” multiple rocket launcher

The Korean Central Television (KCTV) network of North Korea reported that leader Kim Jong-un supervised the test launch of a “super-large” multiple rocket launcher Sept. 10. (KCTV)

Projectiles’ travel over inland territory indicative of confidence in their safety and accuracy

The short-range projectile launched by North Korea from Kaechon, South Pyongyan Province, on Sept. 10 passed over its inland territory while traveling a distance of up to 330km. The fact that it flew across inland territory including numerous cities suggests that the North was confident of the projectile’s safety and accuracy and had completed examination of its performance.

Since May 4, North Korea has test-launched a total of four types of projectiles: a new tactical guided weapon, a new large-caliber multiple-launch guided rocket system, a new weapon, and a “super-large” multiple rocket launcher. Of the four, the new tactical guided weapon and new weapon have been respectively referred to as the “North Korean Iskander” and the “North Korean ATACMS” due to outward similarities in the projectiles. All were short-range ballistic missiles using solid propellant and launched from a transporter erector launcher (TEL).

While the details and launch method for the latest projectile have not been confirmed, experts suggested the most likely possibility is that it was the “new weapon,” which among the four projectile types has not been test-launched over North Korean territory to date. The weapon was test-launched by North Korea twice before on Aug. 10 and 16 from Hamhung, South Hamgyong Province, and Tongchon, Kangwon Province, respectively, and traveled 230 to 400km at an altitude of 30 to 48km.

An image of the “super-large” multiple rocket launcher North Korea test launched on Sept. 10.

“To do testing over land, you have to be quite sure of the safety and reliability,” said Kim Dong-yub, a professor at Kyungnam University.

“They may have done inland testing of the ‘new weapon’ that was test-launched twice in the past,” he suggested.

To date, the only projectile that has crossed over North Korean land has been the new tactical guided weapon referred to as the “North Korean Iskander.” Launched from Kwail County in South Hwanghae Province on Aug. 6, the project passed the south of Pyongyang and Nampo before striking a rock island in the East Sea. Analysts said North Korea have been doing final testing of the weapon system’s flight performance and guidance capabilities before introducing it into actual service.

An image of the “super-large” multiple rocket launcher North Korea test launched on Sept. 10.

Other observers noted similarities between the latest projectile’s flight distance and the “super-large multiple rocket launcher” projectile first launched on Aug. 24 from Sondok, South Hamgyong Province, and suggested that the launch may have been additional testing on that weapon system. With an estimated caliber of 600mm, the launcher projectile reached a peak altitude of 97km and traveled for 380km. The latest projectile’s altitude was reportedly lower at 50–60km.

“Typically, a projectile becomes harder to intercept the lower its altitude,” a military official explained.

“North Korea could be conducting tests from various angles to avoid interception,” the official suggested.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) did not reveal the latest projectile’s altitude or speed. “There have been comments about the announcement of concrete information exposing the military’s detection capabilities,” explained a JCS official.

Some have also suggested another factor may have been the possibility of Japan finding out without relying on the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) if South Korea revealed the early launch information, an area where it has an advantage.

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer

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