| Country: |
North Korea |
| Associated Country: |
Iran, Pakistan |
| Alternate Name: |
Ro-dong 2; No Dong B |
| Class: |
MRBM |
| Basing: |
Road mobile |
| Length: |
16.20 m |
| Diameter: |
1.8 m |
| Launch Weight: |
16500 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear, HE, chemical, or submunitions |
| Propulsion: |
Single-stage liquid |
| Range: |
1500-3000 km |
| Status: |
Unknown |
Details
The No Dong 2 is a medium-range, road mobile, liquid propellant, single warhead, ballistic missile designed to strike population centers. It is believed to be an improved version of the No Dong 1 missile which traces its lineage to the 'Scud C' missile. The No-dong 2 is believed to have a smaller warhead, a greater diameter, and a longer range although precise differences are speculative. It is highly probable that Chinese scientists worked directly with North Korea to build the No-dong 2, though it is possible that it was designed domestically using PRC assistance and technology provided on earlier missile projects.
The capabilities of the No Dong 2 missile are such that it can effectively be used against both military and civilian targets. Its range is sufficient to put parts of Japan well within range. Unlike the No-dong 1, it has sufficient accuracy to be used against some military targets, though the accuracy is still low enough that the missile would most likely be deployed against civilian population centers or other large, soft targets. The exact use of the payload is unknown, but it can probably deploy a medium yield nuclear warhead which would maximize the potential damage. As the No Dong 2 is moved and launched aboard a TEL vehicle, it is mobile and easily concealable, thus making it difficult to destroy prior to launch. The No Dong 1 and 2 are likely to be used to as a nuclear deterrent against third-party intervention in the case of communist military aggression against South Korea. It is also likely to be used as a conventional bombardment weapon against Seoul, the capital of South Korea, and other South Korean cities.
This missile is a longer range variant of the No Dong 1. The physical characteristics are presumed to be similar to the No Dong 1, though there are likely structural changes which account for the increased range and accuracy. It is believed to be somewhat wider than its predecessor, with a diameter of 1.8 m rather than 1.36 m. The payload is probably lighter than the payload of the No Dong 1 (1200 kg), but it may vary depending upon the missile's intended range. The maximum range is believed to be between 1500 and 3000 km. The accuracy is reported to be 250-500 m CEP, an accuracy not sufficient for attacking hardened targets. If equipped similarly to its predecessor, the No Dong 2 would likely be able to deploy HE-unitary, chemical, submunitions, or medium-yield-nuclear warheads. It is believed to be launched from a converted Russian Transporter-Erecter-Launcher (TEL) vehicle design or converted North Korean tanks and trucks. The missile's accuracy probably relies on an inertial guidance system and RV-based motors and fins, but it may be improved by the addition of a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system.
It is believed that development of the No Dong 1 began in the mid-1980s, with the first flight testing occurring in May 1990. The No Dong 1 missiles had entered active service by 1995 and are built in underground production facilities. The exact status of the No Dong 2 is unknown, most likely operational but possibly still in development. Like many North Korean missile projects, the No Dong project was accomplished in conjunction with both Pakistan and Iran. The Pakistani Ghauri 1/2 and the Iranian Shahab-3 are all strikingly similar to the No Dong 1/2, and it is believed that these foreign missiles rely on North Korean technology and possibly employ North Korean components.
The No Dong 2 missile may be the same as the Musudan missile.(1)
Footnotes
- Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems, Issue 50, ed. Duncan Lennox, (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2009), 95-97.
Activity at North Korean Missile Base
October 27, 2004 :: The Chosun Ilbo (S. Korea) :: News
The South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper reports today that American, Japanese, and South Korean governments have observed increased activity at the Chongju missile base some 100km north of Pyongyang. The paper quotes a “high ranking” South Korean government source as saying on October 26 that
Beginning two to three days ago, North Korea has been showing moves that appear to be an attempt to test fire No Dong I and Scud Missiles, including the movement of a Scud missile mobile launcher from a missile base in Chongju, Northern Pyongan Province.
East Asia Intel reports that U.S. intelligence officials speculate that North Korea could attempt a launch so as to influence the approaching U.S. presidential election.
The Russian Itar Tass news agency quickly responded to the report with another, well-placed source in the North Korean government, who speculated that missile activity did not likely indicate any missile preparations, but was probably merely designed to be a response to the multi-country naval exercise currently taking place near Japan. The Russian paper quotes the North Korean as noting that, “If the Korean People’s Democratic Republic really intended to launch a missile, it would launch an anti-ship missile as usual from a base located on the Eastern coast."
North Korea’s Scuds and No Dongs are both believed to be derived from Russian missiles.
Similar reports of activity at North Korean missile bases also occurred at this time last month. (Link)
» Sep. 26: Increased activity at North Korean bases
» More stories on: North Korea
» Missile details: No Dong 1, No Dong 2, Scud B variant, Scud C variant
North Korea Extending Range of No-Dong Missile
June 9, 2004 :: Middle East Newsline :: News
North Korea has extended the range of its No-Dong ballistic missiles to 1,500km, according to a report by Middle East Newswire, citing the Japanese business daily Nikkei Shimbun and other sources. The two versions of the No-Dong missiles have been exported to various middle eastern countries, including Iran, which is believed to have based its Shahab missile family.
The report is not, however, altogether news, given that the No-Dong 2 was already believed to have a range of 1,500km. Since the article does not specify, it may refer to difference between the No-Dong 1 and the No-Dong 2. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: North Korea
» Missile details: No Dong 1, No Dong 2
