"The most powerful weapon in the world": North Korean missile "Pukkykson-5A"

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Rockets "Pukkykson-5A" at the parade

On the evening of January 14, a military parade was held in Pyongyang to mark the end of the VIII Congress of the DPRK Labor Party. During this event, a lot of already known samples were demonstrated weapons and technology, as well as several new developments. Of greatest interest is the newest ballistic missile of submarines "Pukkykson-5A" ("Polar Star-5A"). It is claimed to be the most powerful weapon of its class, not only in North Korea, but also in the world.

Rockets on parade


During the parade, four new model SLBMs were demonstrated at once. The missiles without any transport and launch containers were transported on semi-trailers-transporters. The Korean Central Telegraph Agency has named these items the most powerful weapon in the world, demonstrating the might of the revolutionary military.



The new rockets, like their predecessors from the Polar Star series, are not distinguished by a remarkable exterior - and their display did not reveal much technical information. SLBMs are made in a cylindrical body with an ogival head fairing. The tail has an expanding casing of the propulsion system. The missiles received a predominantly black color with a black and white pattern on the fairing. Also on board was the name of the rocket in Korean and digital markings.

Despite loud statements and epithets, the tactical and technical characteristics of the Pukkykson-5A SLBM have not been disclosed. In addition, so far nothing is known about the testing of such products. Probably, the first demonstration of the missiles took place before the start of flights.

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It is curious that the DPRK in recent months was able to demonstrate two missiles for submarines of a new development at once. So, in October, tractors with Pukkykson-75A products took part in the parade in honor of the 4th anniversary of the Labor Party. At that time, it was believed that this is the latest development in the field of missile weapons of the submarine forces. As it turned out now, there was another project.

Tactical and technical secrets


Any characteristics of the new Pukkykson-5A SLBM have not been officially disclosed, and the statement about "the world's most powerful weapon" cannot even serve as a hint at their real level. At the same time, the available amount of data on North Korean ballistic missiles for submarines allows us to make some assumptions.

Judging by the photo and video filming, the new rocket has a diameter of no more than 2-2,5 m and a length of approx. 11-12 m. The weight of the item is unknown. Foreign-developed SLBMs, similar in size and architecture, had a mass of at least 35-40 tons. Similar weight characteristics can also be indicated by the use of a three-axle semitrailer.

Marking on the rocket body suggests the use of a two-stage scheme. Both stages must have a solid fuel engine. Thus, in terms of its architecture and the type of propulsion system, Pukkykson-5A repeats the previous developments of its series. At the same time, the increase in size and weight made it possible to increase the charge of the engines and, accordingly, improve the flight characteristics.


The firing range of the late missiles of the Pukkykson series has not yet been officially disclosed, and only estimates based on calculations have taken place. In addition, the missiles of the last two models have not been tested, which does not provide information even for an approximate determination of their characteristics. However, the minimum values ​​of the main parameters can be provided.

In October 2019, the first test launch of the Pukkykson-3 SLBM took place. The rocket moved along a test trajectory with an increased angle in the initial phase of the flight. During such a flight, it climbed to an altitude of 910 km and showed a range of 450 km. In terms of energy indicators, this is equivalent to a flight along an optimal trajectory of 2100 km.

The missiles of the last two models differ from the Pukkykson-3 by an increased fuel reserve, which should give a significant increase in range. For "Pukkykson-5A" this parameter can be estimated at 3,5-4 thousand km or more. However, despite this increase in performance, the new product will remain in the class of medium-range missiles - along with both predecessors.

According to the known data and estimates, ballistic missiles of North Korean design so far carry only one-piece warheads. The DPRK's strategic nuclear forces have warheads with a yield of no more than 30-50 kt. Perhaps the new SLBM will be able to carry conventional combat equipment.


The issue of the carrier of the new Pukkykson-5A missiles has not yet been disclosed. In a recent speech at the WPK congress, the head of state, Kim Jong-un, spoke about the construction of the first North Korean nuclear submarine. Perhaps this ship will be armed with Pukkykson-4A or Pukkykson-5A missiles. However, reliable information of this kind is not yet available. Also unknown are the dates for the commissioning of the submarine and its weapons.

Soon


North Korea has developed yet another submarine ballistic missile, and is likely to see an improvement in key performance over previous products. Despite the existing lack of information, some predictions and conclusions can be made already now.

As far as is known, the last two missile types have not yet been tested. Accordingly, in the near future, the DPRK will have to conduct several test launches, bring the missiles to the required level and establish their production. In addition, it is necessary to complete the construction of strategic diesel and nuclear submarines. How long it will take is unknown.

It should be noted that the very first reports of new missile tests will seriously clarify the existing picture. In particular, according to the parameters of the test flight, it will be possible to determine the approximate flight characteristics, and information will also appear about the carrier, at least an experienced one. In all likelihood, flight tests of the two Polar Star missiles will begin in the coming months, and they will have to wait for several years to be put into service and on duty.

Strengthening the fleet


Currently, North Korea is simultaneously working on projects for submarines and ballistic missiles for their armament. Based on the results of the implementation of well-known projects, the North Korean fleet will receive at least two or three submarines with a diesel-electric and nuclear power plant capable of carrying SLBMs. Three medium-range missiles of the Pukkykson family have already been created for their armament.


Test launch of the Pukkykson-3 SLBM, October 2, 2019

The range of "Polar Stars" of different models is from 1300 to 3-4 thousand km, which seriously increases the combat effectiveness and flexibility of using the naval component of nuclear forces. Using new submarines and missiles, the Navy will be able to attack designated targets from an increased distance, reducing its vulnerability to enemy anti-submarine defenses.

Despite all the expected progress, the strategic and tactical nuclear forces of the North Korean army will remain small and have limited combat capabilities. To ensure parity with potential adversaries, it is necessary to further develop all major areas, as well as to create and put on duty new types of equipment and weapons.

However, so far the DPRK does not even have such opportunities. There is only one missile submarine in service, carrying not the most advanced Pukkykson-1 missiles. Nevertheless, Pyongyang is taking all necessary measures and developing new designs. The next results of such work in the form of missiles on transporters were shown in October and January, and soon a new demonstration of potential due to flight tests should be expected.
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  1. The comment was deleted.
  2. -15
    21 January 2021 05: 53
    I would openly help Eun with missiles and boats, let him bang across America, see how they would react.
    1. +22
      21 January 2021 06: 33
      A very stupid wish. And if South Korea is armed and let them bang on Russia. Interesting to see?
      Both Russia and the United States will react the same and there is little interesting
      1. +5
        21 January 2021 07: 02
        Quote: Roman1970_1
        A very stupid wish

        More and nothing to add! North Koreans are still bugs! Russia will still suffer with them!
        1. +2
          27 January 2021 01: 41
          what are they bugs and why Russia is "tormented"? If you read the comments on Russian social networks, then there are only bugs around - Indians, Chinese ... now there are North Koreans ... in general, as everyone around them said ... bad people ... I alone am d'Artagnan. With this approach, you can generally stay in complete isolation .... Our contacts with the enemies of the Hindus - the Pakistanis and the Chinese - and in the military sphere are called a "pragmatic approach" and the observance of national interests, while the contacts of the Indians with the French and Americans cause a tub of slop and accusations ranging from stupidity to betrayal of old and strategic partners ..
      2. +2
        21 January 2021 12: 45
        Quote: Roman1970_1
        And if South Korea is armed and let them bang on Russia.

        And if you place an American vigorous loaf in Poland? This is much more dangerous for us than Korea is for America.
        1. +5
          21 January 2021 13: 25
          There is a big doubt that it was real rockets and not dummies that were transported at the parade.
          1. +1
            21 January 2021 15: 17
            Excuse me, I'm not an expert on missiles, from the word at all, but it seems to me that this missile is very thick and short. How to stuff this into a submarine?
            1. -1
              23 January 2021 09: 53
              this rocket is very thick and short ...
              like chubby Eun himself ...

              The fleet includes ... 29 small submarines of the Sang-O project.
              dimensions
              Surface displacement 256 t
              Underwater displacement 277 t
              The length is the greatest
              (on DWL) 35,5 m
              Hull width max. 3,8 m...
              and where can such a rocket be shoved?
            2. 0
              29 January 2021 12: 45
              It is not launched through a torpedo tube, but also on American and Russian (Soviet) SSBNs (missiles are in submarines in an upright position in launchers). Therefore, it is short and thick, so as not to make the submarine as high as a ten-story building.
        2. 0
          April 5 2021 09: 37
          And if in Cuba?
      3. 0
        23 January 2021 09: 45
        do not need South Korea ...
        Chinese Strategic Missile Forces, based on the borders with Russia ...
    2. 0
      29 March 2021 18: 38
      Are you having a hard time with your mind? What if the United States attacks Korea with nuclear weapons? You are like the Ukrainians, they do not think the same more than one move ahead.
  3. +1
    21 January 2021 06: 24
    And what kind of cars are in the parade? Like ours laughing
  4. +8
    21 January 2021 06: 28
    On the evening of January 14, a military parade was held in Pyongyang to mark the end of the VIII DPRK Labor Party


    All ? Is the party over? How will they live now?
    1. +5
      21 January 2021 06: 46

      Quote: Roman1970_1
      On the evening of January 14, a military parade was held in Pyongyang to mark the end of the VIII DPRK Labor Party


      All ? Is the party over? How will they live now?

      Either a dumb translation, or the word was missed. The 8th Party Congress has ended.
      1. +1
        21 January 2021 12: 02
        Quote: Mordvin 3
        Either a dumb translation, or the word was missed. The 8th Party Congress has ended.

        ======
        Rather, the word was missed .... Already sent an error message. But in general it is strange: the Party has been in power for 70 years, and there have been only eight Congresses? What about 5-year plans? request
    2. +3
      21 January 2021 11: 58
      Quote: Roman1970_1
      All ? Is the party over? How will they live now?

      =========
      good Not just the Party is over, but it turns out that the XNUMXth is over ... laughing And somehow they still live! lol
  5. +5
    21 January 2021 09: 31
    Based on the results of the implementation of well-known projects, the North Korean fleet will receive at least two or three submarines with diesel-electric and nuclear power plant...

    Dear author, where did the firewood come from about the nuclear-powered ship? Or is it your fantasy?
    The rocket moved along a test trajectory with an increased angle in the initial phase of the flight. During such a flight, it climbed to an altitude of 910 km and showed a range of 450 km. In terms of energy indicators, this is equivalent to a flight along the optimal trajectory of 2100 km.

    Until the North Korean missiles are launched to their maximum range, they cannot be considered weapons. The tests carried out in the DPRK do not allow to work out the guidance system and determine the CEP.
    1. 0
      29 January 2021 12: 51
      https://ria.ru/20210109/podlodka-1592362653.html
  6. +3
    21 January 2021 12: 32
    A very strange decision - in fact, the DPRK spreads its very meager resources into an underwater component, frankly speaking, which has been quite well developed by the United States for decades. North Korea thinks that it will make the nuclear submarine quiet and invisible than ours? This is absurd.
    They should concentrate their forces on other projects - knapsack ammunition, designing orbital warheads, etc.
  7. +1
    21 January 2021 12: 39
    Quote: Roman1970_1
    And if South Korea is armed and let them bang on Russia. Interesting to see?

    South Korea will not be armed because then it will no longer be a US protectorate.
    If she herself will make missiles in Russia the first will never bang for understandable reasons.
    The same is obvious about the DPRK. The first, on its own initiative, it will never bang in the United States.
  8. +7
    21 January 2021 12: 39
    The DPRK is a country worn out by sanctions, poor, hungry, but everyone is doing something, building and even getting something. And all his own, no one to help. How do they do it? How much effort and resources? Amazing. Here is Ukraine, which seems to be not entirely poor, the United States is the main friend, there is a school and factories (there were), but they can not do anything. No ship, no rocket, no plane. Everything just withers and falls apart.
    1. -4
      22 January 2021 16: 28
      No one to help? Yes, they survive only at the expense of China!
  9. +2
    21 January 2021 12: 42
    Quote: Tucan
    Until the North Korean missiles are launched to their maximum range, they cannot be considered weapons. The tests carried out in the DPRK do not allow to work out the guidance system and determine the CEP.

    In 2017, they launched ballistic missiles at a range of up to 3700 km.
  10. +1
    21 January 2021 15: 59
    A very strange decision - in fact, the DPRK spreads its very meager resources into an underwater component, frankly speaking, which has been quite well developed by the United States for decades. North Korea thinks that it will make the nuclear submarine quiet and invisible than ours?

    Since the United States has worked well for all the components - nothing can be done?
    They will not make it quieter and more imperceptible, but it may not be necessary to beat it.
    The missile can reach Guam, and into the future and the United States directly from the submarine's base.
  11. +1
    21 January 2021 16: 55
    So it looks like the kima last tested a thermonuclear charge, didn't they?
  12. +2
    21 January 2021 17: 34
    Quote: Pessimist22
    I would openly help Eun with missiles and boats, let him bang across America, see how they would react.

    And how would the inhabitants of Vladivostok and Primorye in general be grateful to you for this, when, in response to the women of Yn, they will hit him with not 30 kt warheads, but much more powerful ones, and all this radioactive muck will fall asleep in Vladik and Primorye.

    Quote: Borik
    There is a big doubt that it was real rockets and not dummies that were transported at the parade.

    Of course a dummy. For if you believe this note, then
    SLBMs are made in a cylindrical body with an ogival head fairing. The tail has an expanding casing of the propulsion system.

    In fact, in the photograph, all this reminds us that a cover was "put" on the cylindrical body of the rocket. It doesn't smell like engines.


    Quote: vadim dok
    Excuse me, I'm not an expert on missiles, from the word at all, but it seems to me that this missile is very thick and short. How to stuff this into a submarine?

    In the currently existing experimental submarine "Shinpo"? No way. She has a wheelhouse width about the same as the diameter of this "monster"

    Quote: Tucan
    Based on the results of the implementation of well-known projects, the North Korean fleet will receive at least two or three submarines with diesel-electric and nuclear power plant...

    Dear author, where did the firewood come from about the nuclear-powered ship? Or is it your fantasy?
    The rocket moved along a test trajectory with an increased angle in the initial phase of the flight. During such a flight, it climbed to an altitude of 910 km and showed a range of 450 km. In terms of energy indicators, this is equivalent to a flight along the optimal trajectory of 2100 km.

    Until the North Korean missiles are launched to their maximum range, they cannot be considered weapons. The tests carried out in the DPRK do not allow to work out the guidance system and determine the CEP.

    Vasiliy! Do not pay attention to this author's blunder. Some time ago, Eun announced that they were building a nuclear submarine in North Korea. Adequate readers understood that a rocket with a nuclear warhead would be based on the boat. However, idle journalists turned a nuclear submarine (that is, a diesel one with a missile on which there will be nuclear warheads) immediately into a nuclear submarine. North Korea has not even built a single industrial reactor, let alone boat reactors. We had nuclear warhead torpedoes on many diesel boats. So they are also considered nuclear?
    As for the maximum range, in fact, one of their missiles, the Hwasong-12, was tested at 4500 km with a declared range of 3700 km. All other launches - exclusively along the altitude trajectory ...

    Quote: Knell Wardenheart
    North Korea thinks that it will make the nuclear submarine quiet and invisible than ours? This is absurd.
    They should concentrate their forces on other projects - knapsack ammunition, designing orbital warheads, etc.

    There is no talk of any nuclear submarine. How can we talk about knapsack ammunition, in which miniaturization is required, and even more so about orbital warheads, which was the only one designed in the USSR but showed its low efficiency. And was happily written off

    Quote: Kostadinov
    In 2017, they launched ballistic missiles at a range of up to 3700 km.

    The launch was only ONE. At the same time, they did not reach the declared range.

    Quote: Kostadinov
    The missile can reach Guam, and into the future and the United States directly from the submarine's base.

    The Pugkuksong-3 SLBM will not even reach Guam. And there is no question about the United States. SLBM Pugkuksong-5A, like its predecessor Pugkuksong-4A, let it fly just like that at least once, not to mention the maximum range. And with a range of 4000 km, hitting a target located at a distance of about 10500 km is necessary to be able to ...
    1. +1
      27 January 2021 01: 30
      so it will be based on the submarine ..
  13. +1
    21 January 2021 18: 01
    From one name it already breaks through) ...
  14. +5
    21 January 2021 18: 25
    Quote: pavels52
    From one name it already breaks through) ...

    But the translation into Russian is "Polar Star" (if in the Western manner - "Polaris" laughing )
  15. 0
    21 January 2021 21: 23
    In this news, my favorite is the name "Puk Kyk Son"
    Very sonorous and threatening. I would even say frightening.
  16. -1
    21 January 2021 22: 43
    in my opinion these are empty tanks
    1. +1
      29 January 2021 12: 56
      Nobody carries real rockets fueled with fuel at parades. Incl. in Russia. Imagine an ICBM with several tens of tons of toxic fuel exploding at a parade on Red Square, or even just spilling fuel. Warheads are naturally also without charge.
  17. +2
    21 January 2021 23: 19
    Quote: Old Skeptic
    In this news, my favorite is the name "Puk Kyk Son"
    Very sonorous and threatening. I would even say frightening.

    It sounds in Russian POOKGUKSONG, which in translation from Korean into Russian means POLAR STAR... Nothing threatening in this name is noticeable

    Quote: Gregory Charnota
    in my opinion these are empty tanks

    Sometimes they love to carry something that does not yet exist. We studied laughing show dust
  18. +2
    23 January 2021 05: 03
    The DPRK's strategic nuclear forces have warheads with a yield of no more than 30-50 kt.

    Much more powerful. Up to 200 kT.
  19. +3
    24 January 2021 20: 26
    Wow, there is a working people there. It even became enviable.
  20. -1
    24 January 2021 23: 10
    Quote: Zementbomber
    The DPRK's strategic nuclear forces have warheads with a yield of no more than 30-50 kt.

    Much more powerful. Up to 200 kT.

    They claim that up to 200 or more kilotons. The estimate of the most recent test in September 2017 is from 70 kt (most likely power) to 140 kt (least likely power). According to other sources - from 30 to 60 kt.
    In principle, the first 5 tests were in the range of 2 to 10 kt.
  21. +2
    25 January 2021 13: 24
    Quote: Old26
    They claim that up to 200 or more kilotons. The estimate of the most recent test in September 2017 is from 70 kt (most probable power) to 140 kt (least probable power).

    The estimate from the USA for the last meal in September 2017 is from 250 to 500 kt. And "they" do not assert anything.
  22. 0
    29 January 2021 12: 18
    Quote: Tucan
    Tests conducted in the DPRK do not allow to work out the guidance system and determine the CEP

    They will reach Guam, and okay, Okinawa is already getting it. 50 kt is enough to make a commotion at the base
  23. 0
    2 March 2021 13: 34
    Friends call this hamster ...
  24. 0
    April 8 2021 17: 50
    A good name for a rocket: puk-kyk-son
  25. 0
    April 20 2021 19: 14
    The rocket is solid-propellant, with a range of about 6 thousand km. The number of warheads is three. It's time for the Americans to strain the sirloin ...
  26. 0
    3 August 2021 21: 56
    In the name? "Bunch" "Like" "Chwaxon". Cut off!

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