North Korea fires ballistic missile from submarine
North Korea tested a submarine-launched ballistic missile from a submerged submarine on 19 October. (KCNA)
North Korea fired a new type of short-range ballistic missile from a submarine for the first time last month.
North Korea capped off a flurry of missile tests throughout September by firing a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on 19 October.
The test occurred near North Korea’s submarine base and naval facility at Sinpo on the east coast. The missile flew 590km and reached an apogee of 60km, according to South Korean officials.
Images of the missile suggest it is based on the ground-launched KN-23 short-range ballistic missile. It is thought to have been exhibited in a defence show in Pyongyang a week earlier.
Images showed that the missile was cold-launched from underwater using a launch assist device, before the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
