Won In-cheol Candidate: "North Korea Developing SLBM and SLBM-Equipped Submarines"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] There is a possibility of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launch by North Korea around next month's anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party.

Won In-chul, the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained in a written response to a question from Kang Dae-sik, a member of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, ahead of the confirmation hearing scheduled for the 18th, "Currently, maintenance activities are underway at the Sinpo Shipyard following the typhoon," adding, "Once maintenance is completed, there is a possibility of a short-term preparation for an SLBM launch using the ejection equipment, so we are closely monitoring related developments."

Won's response contrasts with that of Suh Wook, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, who stated in a written response submitted to the National Defense Committee on the 14th that, regarding the possibility of an SLBM launch, "Considering the preparation period, it is judged to be unlikely."

In response to a question from Shin Won-sik of the People Power Party, Won also stated, "North Korea is currently in the test development stage of SLBMs and is assessed to be developing submarines capable of carrying SLBMs." North Korea succeeded in an underwater ejection test of the Pukguksong-3 missile from a barge in October last year, and it is understood that they have nearly completed the construction of a new submarine with a displacement of about 3,000 tons. Our military assesses that this submarine will be capable of carrying three SLBMs. The remaining step is to launch the new submarine and conduct direct SLBM launch tests from it.

Won said, "If North Korea launches an SLBM, our military can sufficiently intercept it with the 'Korean-style missile defense system,'" adding, "We will expand our response capabilities by adding detection and interception systems on land and sea."