[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] North Korea's SLBM-Launched '8·24 Hero Ship' Is

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea announced on the 19th that it test-fired a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the ‘8·24 Hero Ship’ submarine, drawing increased attention to submarines.

On the 20th, the Korean Central News Agency reported, "The National Defense Science Institute of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted a test launch of a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile on the 19th," adding, "The National Defense Science Institute proudly and honorably reported its loyalty to the Party Central Committee after successfully launching a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile again from the ‘8·24 Hero Ship,’ which five years ago successfully launched the first submarine-launched strategic ballistic missile, demonstrating the Republic’s military strength."

The SLBM launched by North Korea the previous day is believed to be the ‘Mini SLBM’ unveiled at the Defense Development Exhibition on the 11th. The submarine that launched the Mini SLBM is the 2000-ton class submarine revealed by North Korea on that day. The number ‘824’ was painted on the conning tower. This indicates that North Korea named this submarine the ‘8·24 Hero Ship.’ It is presumed to commemorate the first SLBM, the Pukguksong-1, which was test-fired on August 24, 2016, in the waters off Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province, and successfully launched underwater at that time.

The submarine from which North Korea launched the missile this time is under 3000 tons. To launch an SLBM from this submarine, it must dive to a depth of 50 meters. However, at this depth, movement can be detected by intelligence equipment, making it risky. Moreover, the internal space is limited, allowing it to carry only one SLBM. A submarine carrying only one SLBM equipped with a nuclear warhead has no strategic significance.

Therefore, North Korea needs to build a 3000-ton class submarine capable of carrying at least three SLBMs. However, there is no evidence yet that North Korea has constructed a 3000-ton class submarine. Some analysts suggest that the ‘Mini SLBM’ might be designed to be carried in multiple numbers on the 3000-ton class submarine currently under construction by North Korea, but for now, the possibility that it was launched from the existing 2000-ton class submarine is given more weight.