North Korea Unveils Launch System of Unknown Purpose

North Korea showcased a launch system of unknown purpose during the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released photos.

The launch system is mounted on a three-axle chassis and equipped with a launcher containing 22 tubes, capable of firing both surface-to-air and anti-tank missiles.

A detailed analysis of this system has led to the conclusion that the vehicle is equipped with an antenna for missile flight correction.

Some observers of North Korea’s armed forces suggest that the system is a certain analogue of the Israeli long-range Spike-NLOS system, with the antenna intended to support two-way communication with the missile or drone, enabling flight correction and possibly control.

The full operating principle of the system is unknown, as is whether the vehicle can independently launch missiles or if it is part of a battery that includes auxiliary vehicles. Comparing it to existing global systems, there is no definitive answer; for example, in the case of the Spike-NLOS, control can be conducted from a single platform, whereas the Japanese Type 96 long-range system uses additional vehicles such as a radar vehicle for target detection and a command post.

Additionally, there are less common opinions linking this vehicle to a drone launch system similar to the American Switchblade, which are launched from tubular transport and launch containers.

Militarnyi previously reported that North Korea had demonstrated an analogue of the American HIMARS rocket system during the parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party.