[2020 National Audit] North Korea SLBM Name is 'Bukgeukseong-S'

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) unveiled by North Korea at the Workers' Party 75th Anniversary Military Parade on the 10th has been identified as the "Pukguksong-ㅅ (Siot)".

On the 15th, Navy Chief of Staff Bu Seok-jong responded at the National Defense Committee's audit of the Navy Headquarters held at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam, saying, "The character written below Pukguksong-4 is Siot (ㅅ), which we believe indicates surface and underwater use."

In the video and photos released by North Korea immediately after the parade, there is a character next to "Pukguksong-4". This led to differing opinions inside and outside the military on whether it read "Pukguksong-4A" or "Pukguksong-4ㅅ". It is also estimated that the missile is larger in diameter and length than existing SLBMs, with a lighter body. Some analysts suggest that its performance has improved compared to the Pukguksong-3 model, which was underwater-launched from a barge last October and measured 1.4 to 1.65 meters in diameter and 10 meters in length. In particular, this SLBM, developed in a multiple warhead form, is expected to be mounted on the new 4000 to 5000-ton class submarine currently under construction by North Korea.

Regarding this, Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party asked, "'Pukguksong-4ㅅ' is larger in size but shorter in length than the 'Pukguksong-3' model, so it seems it can only be launched from submarines over 3000 tons." He inquired whether North Korea is constructing such a submarine. Chief Bu replied, "I do not know the exact tonnage of the submarine under construction; I only know that it is being built."