The KN-06 (Korean: 번개 5호; MR: Pon'gae-5) is a North Korean surface-to-air missile system. The system was first shown publicly at the 65th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea on October 10, 2010.[1]

Design

The KN-06 is a long-range SAM that bears resemblance to the Russian S-300 and Chinese FT-2000. Imagery of missile launch tubes shows they are larger in diameter, but shorter than the S-300's missiles. The missiles are mounted on locally produced, stretched 6X6 KamAZ 55111 (Taebaeksan 96)[2] launcher trucks, with each holding three missile tubes. The KN-06 is reportedly capable of hitting targets up to 150 kilometres (93 mi) away. The system is equipped with a Flap Lid type phased array radar.

Development

A test launch occurred in June 2011.[3][4] Another test launch, attended by Kim Jong-Un was reported on 2 April 2016.[1] As of May 2017, it was reportedly still undergoing testing.[5]

Deployment

The system underwent final testing on May 28, 2017, with KCNA reporting that 'glitches' previously identified during testing had been resolved. It said the new system would be mass-produced and deployed across the country.[6][7]

As many as 156 KN-06 launchers could be operational according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.[8]

Operators

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Kim Jong Un attends advanced strategic SAM test". Archived from the original on 2016-04-14. Retrieved 2016-09-11.
  2. ^ North Korean KN-06 test confirms similarity to Chinese and Russian fourth-generation SAMs
  3. ^ KN-06 Surface to Air Missile - Globalsecurity.org
  4. ^ N.Korea 'Successfully Test Fired Short-Range Missile' - Chosun.com, 14 June 2011
  5. ^ Cook, Damen (May 1, 2017). "North Korea's Mysterious New Islands". The Diplomat. North Korea is still testing its new KN-06 air defense system, a reasonably modern design roughly on par with the Russian S-300. When North Korea eventually introduces the KN-06, Sohae may host a few of its own, perhaps on Islands A, C, or E.
  6. ^ "North Korea tests weapon that will 'spoil enemy's dream'". Sky News. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  7. ^ "North Korea leader Kim guides test of new anti-aircraft weapon". Reuters. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  8. ^ "KN-06 (Pon'gae-5)". Missile Threat. Retrieved 26 October 2018.