Update: North Korea tests new tactical missile system

North Korea test-fired what it described as a “new” weapon into the East Sea (Sea of Japan) on 10 August: the Northeast Asian country’s fifth weapon test since 25 July and a further indication that it continues to modernise its tactical missile systems.

North Korea tested a new tactical missile system on 10 August. (KCNA)

Pyongyang’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the following day that the test-firing, which was witnessed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, “proved that the new weapon system’s advantageous and powerful demand of the design was perfectly met”.

The new system, which has “an advantageous tactical character different to the existing weapon systems”, was developed “to suit the terrain condition of our country”, the media outlet reported without providing further details.

Images released by the KCNA show that two missiles were fired from a tracked transporter-erector-launcher (TEL). The TEL, which is capable of deploying two missiles, is similar to, but not the same as, the one North Korea used to test-launch “large-calibre guided rockets” on 2 August and 31 July.

Pyongyang’s new tactical missile is visibly different from the KN-23 (South Korean/US Forces Korea designation) short-range ballistic missile, which North Korea has test-fired four times since 4 May and bears a resemblance to the 9M723/9M723E series of close- to short-range ballistic missiles used by the Russian Iskander system.

The two missiles test-fired by North Korea on 10 August flew about 400 km and reached an altitude of about 48 km before falling into the East Sea, according to South Korea’s JCS. (KCNA )