| Country: |
North Korea |
| Associated Country: |
Iran, Pakistan |
| Alternate Name: |
Ro-dong 2 |
| Class: |
MRBM |
| Basing: |
Road mobile |
| Length: |
16.20 m |
| Diameter: |
1.36 m |
| Launch Weight: |
16500 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear, HE, chemical, or submunitions |
| Propulsion: |
Single-stage liquid |
| Range: |
1500 km |
| Status: |
Unknown |
Details
The No-dong 2 is an medium-range, road mobile, liquid propellant, single warhead, ballistic missile designed to strike population centers. It is believed to be an improved version of the No-dong 1 missile which traces its lineage to the 'Scud C' missile. The No-dong 2 is believed to have a smaller warhead and a longer range although precise differences are unknown. It is highly probable that Chinese scientists worked directly with North Korea to build the No-dong 2, though it is possible that it was designed alone using PRC assistance provided on earlier missile projects.
The capabilities of the No-dong 2 missile are such that it can effectively be used against both military and civilian targets. Its range is sufficient to put parts of Japan well within range. Unlike the No-dong 1, it has limited military application. However, the accuracy is such that the missile is still most likely to be deployed against civilian population centers such as Tokyo and Seoul. The exact use of the payload is unknown, but it can probably deploy a medium yield nuclear warhead which would maximize the potential damage. It is mobile and easily concealable, making it difficult to destroy prior to launch. The No-dong 1 and 2 are likely to be used as threats of escalation to a nuclear level against the intervention of nearby third parties in the case of communist military aggression against South Korea. It is also likely to be used as a conventional bombardment weapon against Seoul, the capital of South Korea, and other South Korean cities.
This missile is a longer range variant of the No-dong 1. The physical characteristics are presumed to be same of the No-dong 1, though there are likely structural changes which account for the increased range and accuracy. The maximum range is believed to be 1,500 km (932 miles) and, with an improved guidance system, an accuracy of 250 m CEP. The No-dong 1 has a 1,200 kg separating warhead that can deploy 800 kg of high-explosive, chemical, or submunitions, or a medium yield nuclear weapon. The No-dong 2 likely has a decreased payload and a lighter warhead to increase its range, though the extent of the decrease is unknown. It is believed to be launched from a converted Russian Transporter-Erecter-Launcher (TEL) vehicle design and converted North Korean tanks and trucks. The missile is presumed to currently use an inertial guidance system but may soon be upgraded with a more accurate and less expensive Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system.
It is believed that development of the No-dong 1 began in the mid-1980s, with the first flight testing occurring in May 1990. The No-dong 1 missiles had entered active service by 1994 and are built in underground production facilities. The exact status of the No-dong 2 is unknown, most likely operational but possibly still in development. They have since been produced in the hundreds for both domestic deployment and for export. Like many North Korean missile projects, this was done in conjunction with both Pakistan and Iran. The Pakistani Ghauri 1/2 and the Iranian Shahab-3 are all strikingly similar to the No-dong 2.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 91-92.
Activity at North Korean Missile Base
October 27, 2004 :: The Chosun Ilbo (S. Korea) :: News
The South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper reports today that American, Japanese, and South Korean governments have observed increased activity at the Chongju missile base some 100km north of Pyongyang. The paper quotes a “high ranking” South Korean government source as saying on October 26 that
Beginning two to three days ago, North Korea has been showing moves that appear to be an attempt to test fire No Dong I and Scud Missiles, including the movement of a Scud missile mobile launcher from a missile base in Chongju, Northern Pyongan Province.
East Asia Intel reports that U.S. intelligence officials speculate that North Korea could attempt a launch so as to influence the approaching U.S. presidential election.
The Russian Itar Tass news agency quickly responded to the report with another, well-placed source in the North Korean government, who speculated that missile activity did not likely indicate any missile preparations, but was probably merely designed to be a response to the multi-country naval exercise currently taking place near Japan. The Russian paper quotes the North Korean as noting that, “If the Korean People’s Democratic Republic really intended to launch a missile, it would launch an anti-ship missile as usual from a base located on the Eastern coast."
North Korea’s Scuds and No Dongs are both believed to be derived from Russian missiles.
Similar reports of activity at North Korean missile bases also occurred at this time last month. (Link)
» Sep. 26: Increased activity at North Korean bases
» More stories on: North Korea
» Missile details: No-dong 1, No-dong 2, Scud B variant, Scud C variant
North Korea Extending Range of No-Dong Missile
June 9, 2004 :: Middle East Newsline :: News
North Korea has extended the range of its No-Dong ballistic missiles to 1,500km, according to a report by Middle East Newswire, citing the Japanese business daily Nikkei Shimbun and other sources. The two versions of the No-Dong missiles have been exported to various middle eastern countries, including Iran, which is believed to have based its Shahab missile family.
The report is not, however, altogether news, given that the No-Dong 2 was already believed to have a range of 1,500km. Since the article does not specify, it may refer to difference between the No-Dong 1 and the No-Dong 2. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: North Korea
» Missile details: No-dong 1, No-dong 2
