| Hwasong-5 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | SRBM |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1987 |
| Used by | Operators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | 
North Korea |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Conventional high-explosive fragmentation or cluster warhead |
| Warhead weight | 1000 kg [1] |
| Engine | Liquid fuel [1] |
Operational range | 300 km [1] |
| Accuracy | 450 m. CEP [2] |
| Transport | Transporter erector launcher [1] |
The Hwasong-5 ( Korean: 화성 5; Hanja: 火星 5; lit. Mars 5) [3] is a North Korean short range ballistic missile (SRBM) [2] derived from the Soviet R-17 Elbrus missile. [4] It is one of several missiles with the NATO reporting name Scud-B. [1]
History
North Korea received rocket artillery, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and anti-ship missiles from the Soviet Union in the 1960s and then from China in the 1970s. [5] The range and accuracy of the 2K6 Luna were unsatisfactory, but the Soviets refused to supply ballistic missiles to limit tensions in Korea. [4] North Korea sought a domestic missile production capability by 1965, and began making military and industrial preparations shortly afterward. [5] A joint development program with China of the DF-61 missile began in 1977, but was cancelled in 1978 due to Chinese domestic politics. [6] North Korea finally received R-17s from Egypt in the late 1970s or early 1980s; North Korea supported Egypt during the Yom Kippur War and the countries had friendly relations. [7] [4]
The R-17s were reverse engineered to develop multiple derivatives starting with the Hwasong-5. [4] The Hwasong-5 may have slightly better range than the R-17 due to improved engines. [8] There were up to six test launches from April to September 1984 with three successes. [8] [1] The missile entered production in 1985. Serial production began in 1986 and it entered North Korean service in 1987. [1]
Hwasong-series missiles are reportedly manufactured by the No. 125 Factory in Pyongyang. [9]
Export
Iran used the Hwasong-5 during the War of the Cities, with eight launch failures; North Korea received operational data. Iran first requested missiles from North Korea in 1985, and a 1985 cooperation agreement between the countries may have included Iranian funds for ballistic missile development. [8]
The United Arab Emirates purchased Hwasong-5 missiles in 1989. [10] The missiles were decommissioned, allegedly due to unsatisfactory quality. [11]
A missile technology transfer from North Korea to Myanmar in the late 2000s may have included the Hwasong-5. [12]
Variants
- Hwasong-5
- "KN-21"
- A variant with terminal maneuverability and tested on August 26, 2017. [13] Not seen after August 2017 and likely abandoned. KN-21 is the U.S. designation. [14] [15]
Operators
Current operators [16]
References
Citations
- ^ a b c d e f g Center for Energy and Security Studies & The International Institute for Strategic Studies 2021, p. 48.
- ^ a b Center for Energy and Security Studies & The International Institute for Strategic Studies 2021, p. 46.
- ^ Center for Energy and Security Studies & The International Institute for Strategic Studies 2021, p. 45.
- ^ a b c d Center for Energy and Security Studies & The International Institute for Strategic Studies 2021, p. 47.
- ^ a b Pinkston 2008, p. 14.
- ^ Pinkston 2008, pp. 14–15.
- ^ Pinkston 2008, pp. 15–16.
- ^ a b c Pinkston 2008, p. 16.
- ^ Pinkston 2008, p. 45.
- ^ Ramani, Samuel. "Why Did the UAE Purchase Weapons From North Korea?". Thediplomat.com. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ United States, Congress. House. Committee on International Relations (2000). U.S. Policy Toward North Korea: Hearing Before the Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixth Congress, First Session, Part 2. U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 91–92. ISBN 9780160607646.
- ^ Murdoch, Lindsay (February 6, 2018). "Fears Myanmar buying missiles from North Korea raise Canberra's alarm". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020.
- ^ Panda, Ankit. "Introducing the KN21, North Korea's New Take on Its Oldest Ballistic Missile". Thediplomat.com. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ North Korea’s New Short-Range Missiles: A Technical Evaluation. 38 North. 9 October 2019.
- ^ KN-21. Missile Defense Advocacy.
- ^ "Hwasong-5". Missile Threat. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "Syria's Scientific Studies and Research Center". storymaps.com. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
Sources
- Center for Energy and Security Studies; The International Institute for Strategic Studies (14 July 2021). DPRK Strategic Capabilities and Security on the Korean Peninsula: Looking Ahead.
- Pinkston, Daniel A. (February 2008). The North Korean Ballistic Missile Program (PDF). Strategic Studies Institute, US Army. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2014-08-26.
