The power of two 'super missiles' North Korea shows off in the military parade 2
North Korea on October 10 held a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square, capital Pyongyang, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party.
During the parade, North Korea introduced a new model of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carried on a truck and launch pad with up to 11 pairs of tires.
The power of two ‘super missiles’ North Korea shows off in the military parade
Two new North Korean missile models at the military parade in Pyongyang, October 10.
Experts call the new missile model Hwasong-16, but it is unclear whether it has a longer range, is more modern than previous models, or can carry independent recovery warheads (MIRV).
`More detailed analysis and comparison are still needed, but images show that the new missile could be about 24-25 m long with a larger diameter than the Hwasong-15,` Kim Dong-yup, expert at the Institute of
`This missile model may belong to the Hwasong family, using a main engine using Pektusan liquid fuel. In the first phase, the missile does not use a cluster of three engines but uses a new, more powerful engine, tested by North Korea.
New model of intercontinental ballistic missile on North Korea’s 11-axle launch vehicle during the military parade in Pyongyang, October 10.
`Hwasong-16` is said to be the world’s largest liquid-fueled rocket model.
Kim Dong-yup said that despite its larger size and weight, this new missile model does not necessarily have a greater range than the Hwasong-15, which is already capable of attacking any target on the US mainland.
According to him, the power of the new ICBM model does not lie in its range but in the weight, stability and reliability of the warhead’s operation.
Experts are also skeptical about the origin of the ammunition carrier and launcher (TEL) of the Hwasong-16.
How Hwasong-16’s giant launch vehicles operate is also unknown.
Another notable weapon launched by North Korea during the October 10 parade is the Pukguksong-4A submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
Soviet-era submarines in the North Korean military are being upgraded to take on the role of a nuclear deterrent.
Expert Kim Dong-yup commented that the appearance of Pukguksong-4A `looks similar to Pukguksong-3`.
Pukguksong-4A missile during the military parade in Pyongyang, October 10.
North Korea may develop a ground-launched missile model based on the Pukguksong-4A, Kim Dong-yup said.
Rockets using solid fuel are more difficult to deal with because they do not need to be refueled before firing.
President Kim Jong-un said in December 2019 that `the world will soon witness North Korea’s new strategic weapon.`
