Pukguksong-6

Pukguksong-6 (presumed)
TypeSubmarine-launched ballistic missile
Place of originNorth Korea
Production history
Designed2022
ManufacturerNorth Korea
No. built4 prototypes
Specifications
Length13.2 m (43 ft)
Width2.21 m (7.3 ft)
WarheadNuclear warhead
MIRV-capable (unconfirmed)
Propellantsolid fuel
Operational
range
4,000–12,000 km (2,500–7,500 mi)
Launch
platform
Submarine (planned)

The Pukguksong-6 (Korean: 북극성-6; lit. 'Polaris 6') is presumed to be the official designation of a North Korean solid-fueled submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) first unveiled in 2022.

Description

Images of the Pukguksong-6
image icon At the 25 April 2022 military parade

The Pukguksong-6 is a solid-propelled missile probably derived from Pukguksong-5.[1] It is longer than Pukguksong-4 and Pukguksong-5.[2] The missile's estimated length and diameter is 13.2 m (43 ft) and 2.21 m (7.3 ft) respectively and likely uses three-stage design.[3] However, German analyst Norbert Brügge claimed the missile to be a two-stage silo-based missile with a longer first stage compared to Pukguksong-5.[4]

As an improved version of Pukguksong-5, Pukguksong-6 may have a much longer range and capability of carrying multiple warheads,[5] and is believed to be able to carry three to four reentry vehicles.[6] The missile is also said to be theoretically capable of hitting the continental United States,[7] with an estimated range of 4,000–12,000 km (2,500–7,500 mi).[8]

The missile is also claimed to be the largest SLBM produced by North Korea,[9] as well as the North Korea's largest solid-fueled ballistic missile as of September 2022.[1]

The Pukguksong-6 may be intended to be launched from a 3,000-ton submarine under construction as of 2022, as well as a nuclear-powered submarine under construction as of 2025.[7][10][11]

History

At the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea held in January 2021, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed that an intercontinental-range SLBM was in development.[11]

North Korea first displayed Pukguksong-6 on 25 April 2022 during a military parade.[12] Four missiles were placed on 6-axle trucks. North Korea did not reveal the official designation, and the Pukguksong-6 designation remains unconfirmed.[1] It is also possible that the missile is internally called Pukguksong-6S.[13]

A small-scale model of the missile appeared at a banquet attended by Kim Jong Un on 27 August 2023.[14]

In February 2026, North Korea revealed a plan of supplying weapons to their armed forces, including sea-based ICBMs,[15] suggesting continued effort to develop and deploy Pukguksong-6.

There has been no known test for this missile so far.[16]

See also

  • Pukguksong-3 – (North Korea)
  • K-6 – (India)
  • M51 – (France)
  • RSM-56 Bulava – (Russia)
  • UGM-133 Trident II – (United States)
  • JL-3 – (China)

References

  1. 1 2 3 "S/2022/668". UNDOCS. United Nations. 7 September 2022. p. 25. Retrieved 21 June 2026.
  2. ↑ Xu, Tianran (2 May 2022). "25 April 2022 DPRK Parade" (PDF). Open Nuclear Network. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  3. ↑ Xu, Tianran (25 July 2022). "Emerging Capabilities? The Unflown SLBMs of the DPRK" (PDF). Open Nuclear Network. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  4. ↑ Brügge, Norbert. "Pukguksong-6 GLBM". b14643.eu. Norbert Brügge. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  5. ↑ Lee, Daehan (26 April 2022). "North Korea showcases new SLBM during military parade". Naval News. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  6. ↑ Park, Dae-ro (7 May 2022). 北 신형 SLBM 사거리 4000㎞로 증가?…잠수함도 커질 듯 [North Korea's new SLBM range increased to 4,000km? Submarines may also become larger]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  7. 1 2 Honrada, Gabriel (27 April 2022). "North Korea's new sub missile aims for US mainland". Asia Times. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  8. ↑ Phạm Giang (29 December 2025). "Dàn vũ khí giúp tàu ngầm hạt nhân Triều Tiên sở hữu uy lực răn đe" [North Korean weapons that give their nuclear-powered submarine deterrent capabilities]. VnExpress (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  9. ↑ Sutton, H. I. (26 April 2022). "Seen For First Time : North Korea's Largest Submarine Launched Missile". H I Sutton - Covert Shores. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  10. ↑ Ryall, Julian (28 March 2025). "Is North Korea's nuclear submarine a game changer or 'vanity project'?". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  11. 1 2 Van Diepen, Vann H. (21 March 2025). "North Korea's Nuclear-Powered Missile Submarine: A Mystery Wrapped Around a Riddle and an Enigma". 38 North. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  12. ↑ Chung, Chaewon; Kim, Jeongmin (26 April 2022). "North Korea shows off apparent new solid fuel missile". NK News. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  13. ↑ "Unnamed Pukguksong variant (presumed Pukguksong-6S)". NK Pro. NK News. 17 August 2026. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  14. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (29 August 2023). "Kim Jong Un promises nuclear weapon deployment to navy in visit to HQ". NK News. Retrieved 31 January 2025. For amended image, see here.
  15. ↑ "Triều Tiên triển khai vũ khí quốc phòng chiến lược "bí mật"" [North Korea to deploy "secret" strategic defence weapon]. Quảng Ngãi TV (in Vietnamese). Quang Ngai Newspaper and Radio, Television. 27 February 2026. Retrieved 21 June 2026. Kế hoạch cung ứng vũ khí của Triều Tiên bao gồm hệ thống tên lửa đạn đạo xuyên lục địa triển khai trên bộ và tàu ngầm, [...] [North Korea's arms supplying plan includes land- and submarine-based ICBMs, [...]]
  16. ↑ "The CNS North Korea Missile Test Database". Nuclear Threat Initiative. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
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