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Under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un

North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Aug. 17 that the "short range projectiles" fired by North Korea on the morning of Aug. 16 were "new weapons," and that Chairman Kim Jong-un "instructed another test launch" of this new weapon. The exterior of the "new weapon" as seen in the 11 photographs published that day have led to analyses that the projectile in question is the same missile type as the North Korean version of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which North Korea first fired on Aug. 10.

The KCNA said that this test launch showed "a perfect result" and "solidified a greater confidence in the weapons system." The report also said that "[North Korea] developed major military strike methods in the shortest span of time," and that it represented a "groundbreaking turning point in the strengthening of self-defense military power." The launch, which was overseen by Chairman Kim Jong-un, was also attended by officials from the Central Committee and the national defense science unit of the North Korean Workers' Party (WPK), including Ri Pyong-chol, Kim Jong-sik, Jang Chang-ha, Jon Il-ho, and Chong Seung-Il.

As with the two new strategic surface-to-surface ballistic missiles known as the "North Korean version of ATACMS" that North Korea launched on Aug. 10 from Hamhung, South Hamgyong Province, the KCNA did not reveal the projectile's specific name or characteristics. However, based on the six photographs of the projectile that KCNA released on Aug. 10, experts have determined that the projectile is the same type as the one unveiled on Aug. 10. The exterior of the transporter erector launcher, which is outfitted with two quadrilateral launch tubes, also looked the same. ATACMS, the US Forces Korea's strategic surface-to-surface missiles, have a speed of Mach 3, a length of 4m, a diameter of 600mm, and are fitted with hundreds of submissiles. A single missile is said to be able to decimate a target that is about the same area as three or four soccer fields combined.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff analyzed that the short-range projectiles that North Korea fired from Gangwon Province's Northern Tongchon area into the East Sea on Aug. 16 flew at an altitude of 30 km, and covered a total flight distance of 230km at a speed of over Mach 6.1. Compared to the launch on Aug. 10 (altitude 48km, flight distance 400km), the altitude and flight distance were decreased, which can be analyzed as an intent to test low-altitude, precision striking capabilites. The KCNA also revealed two photographs showing the missiles in question accurately striking a small rock island in the ocean. The photographs published by the KCNA on this day show that the area around the mobile missile launchers are overgrown with trees and grass, which can be analyzed to indicate an intent to show off the new weapon's stealth. From last May to Aug. 16, North Korea has held a total of eight test launches of three new weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles referred to as "the North Korean Iskander," a new large-caliber guided rocket system, and a new surface-to-surface strategic missile. It is likely that North Korea is ramping up test launches in order to assess the performance of new weapons right up until the end of the South Korea-US joint military exercises, which conclude on Aug. 20.

By Noh Ji-won, staff reporter

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