North Korean Defiance Continues with SLBM Test

On April 23, 2016, North Korea made a third test of its submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) under the supervision of North Korean President Kim Jung Un.

The SLBM test launch was conducted by North Korea’s only ballistic missile submarine, Gorae or “Whale”, while submerged along the east coast of South Korea.  While the test launch was successful the missile crashed into the Sea of Japan.  North Korean officials claimed the test was a success utilizing what is called “Cold Launch” technology, which is when the missile is expelled by gas produced by a gas generator, which is not part of the missile itself and then the missile ignites once it breaks the surface of the water.

The missile utilized for the SLBM is known as Pukkoksong-1 or “Polar Star” which is based on a obsolete Cold War era R-27 ballistic missile. The North Korean leader was so pleased with the test he commented, “North Korea is now capable of hitting the heads in the South Korean puppet forces and US imperialists anytime as it pleases.” Pukkoksong-1 uses a solid fuel instead of liquid, which makes it easier to handle, more reliable, and faster firing time.

North Korea had previously tested two SLBM’s in May of 2015 with great success and then suffered a failed launch in December 2015.

While South Korea could not confirm reports of the overall success of the test, they did witness the SLBM launch from the mainland. South Korea’s Joint Chief of Staff noted the missile appeared to traveled approximately 19 miles before its descent, well below the typical 186 mile average range of an SLBM.

Analysts pointed out that the SLBM launch was near the North Korean coastal town of Sinpo, which has been previously utilized for under water missile defense systems.

North Korea’s venture into SLBM is concerning because the launch menthod increases the probability of being able to maintain strategic surprise. South Korean officials have also noted that North Korea is not believed to have a submarine that can fire multiple missiles, but they are making progress in the area.

North Korea has conducted a number of missile tests since the beginning of the year, and has also conducted artillery barrages into the sea while the U.S. and South Korea were conducting military drills. The North Koreans say they are firing artillery because the military drills are a preparation for an invasion of the north. North Korea’s saber-rattling is aimed at sanctions for their previous testing of what they described as a hydrogen bomb and improved long- range missiles.

The U.S. Department of State in response to North Korea’s blatant disregard of sanctions has limited the travel of North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong, and his delegation while at the U.N. in New York where they are attending a meeting on sustainable development, but given the long history of North Korea operating under sanctions it has proven difficult to bring additional meaningful pressure to bear.