Karl Dewey, senior CBRN analyst at Jane’s by IHS Markit
North Korea reported it had test fired a “new-type tactical guided weapon” on 17 April. The report noted the “peculiar mode of guiding flight” and a “powerful warhead” of the system. On 16 November last year, North Korean media also reported of a test for a “newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon.” Yesterday’s test may be related to the same missile, although it is not clear at this stage.
The test comes shortly after the failed talks in Hanoi between US President Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, and the conclusion of the joint Dong Maeng exercises.
No significant details of the latest test have been released, although North Korea’s stress on the weapon’s tactical nature suggests the test is primarily aimed at a domestic audience, rather than signalling a shift in North Korea’s strategic approach to US talks.
In last week’s Supreme People’s Assembly, despite speculation that Pyongyang would reverse the new strategic line and return to its policy of Byungjin (parallel development policy of developing the economy and nuclear weapons), North Korea continued its economic focus. Kim also extended an offer of a third summit with Trump, albeit on terms more favourable to North Korea.
However, the test does underscore the sensitivity around North Korea’s missile programmes. Its April 2018 moratorium only applies to nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests, which allows North Korea to test any other type of missile.
