1980s
1984: North Korea conducted its first test launch of the 'Scud' ballistic missile.
1986: Test launch of the 'Nodong-1' short-range ballistic missile.
1990s
1990: Test launch of the 'Nodong-2' short-range ballistic missile.
1998: Test launch of the 'Taepodong-1' medium-range ballistic missile.
2000s
2006: Test launch of the 'Taepodong-2' long-range ballistic missile.
2009: Test launch of the 'Nodong-3' short-range ballistic missile.
2010s
2012: Failed launch of the 'Kwangmyongsong-3' satellite (presumed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM).
2013: Test launch of the 'Musudan' intermediate-range ballistic missile.
2016: Test launch of the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) 'Pukkuksong-1'.
2017: Test launch of the intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) 'Hwasong-14'.
2017: Test launch of the long-range ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Hwasong-15'.
2020s
2020: Test launch of the SLBM 'Pukkuksong-3'. 2021: Test launch of the long-range ballistic missile 'Hwasong-16'.
2022: Test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Hwasong-17'.
2022: Test launch of the SLBM 'Pukkuksong-4'. 2023: Test launch of the ICBM 'Hwasong-17' (solid fuel).
2024: Test launch of the SLBM 'Pukkuksong-4' (solid fuel).
Key Features
Late 1980s saw accelerated development of ballistic missiles. Since the 2000s, focus shifted to long-range and intercontinental ballistic missile development. Introduction of new technologies such as hypersonic missiles, solid-fuel missiles, and multiple-warhead ballistic missiles. Continuous missile testing aimed at technological validation and improvement.
Recent Trends
As of June 2024, North Korea continues to develop various types of missiles. Key recent trends include:
Hypersonic Missiles: North Korea has been conducting steady tests of hypersonic missiles since 2021. In January 2022, it successfully launched the first solid-fuel hypersonic missile, and in January 2023, it launched the 'Hwasong-8' hypersonic missile during the ICBM test of 'Hwasong-17'. This indicates significant advancements in North Korea's hypersonic missile development capabilities. Solid-Fuel Missiles: North Korea is increasingly focusing on solid-fuel missile development over liquid-fuel missiles. In November 2023, it successfully launched the 'Hwasong-17' ICBM, and in March 2024, it launched the 'Pukkuksong-4' SLBM, both utilizing solid fuel. Multiple-Warhead Ballistic Missiles: North Korea is actively developing multiple-warhead ballistic missiles. In May 2022, during the ICBM test of 'Hwasong-17', it demonstrated the capability to separate two warheads. Multiple-warhead ballistic missiles are effective for simultaneous targeting of multiple objectives or neutralizing missile defense systems. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM): North Korea continues to invest in SLBM development. In March 2023, it launched the 'Pukkuksong-4' SLBM, followed by the 'Pukkuksong-3' in May 2023. SLBMs provide maritime mobility to evade surveillance and diversify attack points.
Assessment and Outlook
North Korea's ongoing missile development poses a serious threat to the security situation in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. Particularly, the introduction of new technologies such as hypersonic missiles, solid-fuel missiles, multiple-warhead ballistic missiles, and SLBMs enhances North Korea's missile capabilities. The international community must continue efforts to prevent North Korea from further developing its missile capabilities. This includes maintaining sanctions and diplomatic pressure to encourage North Korea to halt missile development and engage in dialogue. Strengthening the combined defense capabilities of South Korea and the United States and establishing missile defense systems are also crucial steps.
Starting Google Play App Distribution! "Tester Share" for Recruiting 20 Testers for a Closed Test.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maccrey.tester_share_release
