Pukguksong-2
The Pukguksong-2 (Korean: 《북극성-2》형; Hanja: 北極星 2型; lit. Polaris Type 2; KN-15 under the U.S. naming convention) is a medium-range or intermediate-range ballistic missile under development by North Korea, which unlike the nation's earlier designs, uses solid fuel. Described as 'nuclear-capable', its first test flight was on 12 February 2017, although two previous launches in October 2016 that were initially thought to be Hwasong-10 were possibly failed launches of the Pukguksong-2 instead. The state-run KCNA news agency said that leader Kim Jong-un supervised the test, which was described as a success.
| Pukguksong-2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-range ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2017 |
| Used by | Korean People's Army Strategic Force |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Produced | 2016 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 8.85 m |
| Diameter | ~1.4 m |
| Warhead | nuclear, conventional |
| Engine | Solid fuel rocket |
| Propellant | Solid |
Operational range | 1,200 km ~ 2,000 km (est) |
Launch platform | Tracked TEL |
| Pukguksong-2 | |
| Chosŏn'gŭl | 《북극성-2》형 |
|---|---|
| Hancha | |
| Revised Romanization | Bukgeukseong-i hyeong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Pukkŭksŏng-i hyŏng |
Analysts have described the new missile as 'more stable, more efficient, and harder to detect' than North Korea's previous liquid-fuelled designs. In contrast to older, liquid-fueled rockets that take hours to prepare for launch and are easier to detect and counteract by other countries, the Pukguksong-2 is a solid-fuel rocket that can be launched in minutes.
The missile is now deployed in northern North Korea near its border with China in missile bases where the Hwasong-7 is deployed.