North Korea’s New Military Tactics: Cruise Missiles on Land and Sea

On the 15th, the North Korean state-run media, Korean Central News Agency, revealed photos stating that Kim Jong Un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, supervised the test firing of the “ground-to-sea missile Badasuri-6” the previous morning. ⓒKorean Central News Agency

Since the beginning of the year, North Korea has been diversifying its weapon systems through various provocations.

It appears to be launching separately developed cruise missiles from various launch platforms, such as mobile launch platforms (TEL) and submarines, based on strategic and tactical objectives.

On the 15th, the North Korean state-run media, Korean Central News Agency, revealed photos stating that Kim Jong Un supervised the test firing of the “ground-to-sea missile Badasuri-6” the previous morning.

This is the first time North Korea has revealed the Badasuri weapon system. This is why it is being evaluated as a new type of cruise missile.

Indeed, Lee Sung Jun, the Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, said during a regular Ministry of Defense briefing that day, “The term Badasuri has been revealed for the first time.”

However, as inferred from Type 6, it has likely undergone continuous performance improvements before being revealed.

Spokesman Lee said, “As we continue to track North Korea’s weapons development trends, we are conducting a comprehensive analysis, including North Korea’s public reports.” He added, “Our military is thoroughly prepared for detection and interception against North Korea’s anti-ship missiles.”

Earlier, the South Korean military announced that it had detected several unidentified cruise missiles from the northeastern sea of Wonsan around 9 am the previous day.

Badasuri-6 is evaluated as an improved model of the Soviet KH-35 (Uran) cruise missile. It is a different weapon system from the Bulhwasal-3-31 type, which was continuously launched from the ground and sea as a new strategic cruise missile.

While the Bulhwasal-3-31 type, which carried the Hwasan-31 type tactical nuclear warhead revealed last year, is a cruise missile with strategic objectives, the Badasuri-6 is evaluated as a ground-to-sea cruise missile with tactical characteristics.

The news agency reported that “General Secretary Kim made an important conclusion on the reorganization plan of the combat formation of the East and West Sea Fleet coastal missile regiment” and “proposed ways to thoroughly suppress and crush the adventurous provocation of the enemy navy by deploying and maximally strengthening the ground-to-sea missile capability to defend the maritime border line reliably.”

Choi Jong Il, the head of the Navy’s public affairs office in Seoul, said, “To operate an anti-ship missile, the value of the target seems to be important.” He added, “Basically, the target of the (North Korean) anti-ship missile would be high-value, which we think would be at least escort ship level.”

Above all, as it was announced that the Badasuri-6 had conducted acceptance firing, it is observed that its actual deployment is imminent. Acceptance firing refers to verifying the performance of the produced missiles by randomly selecting one of the products.

However, Spokesman Lee said, “Just because a weapon system has emerged does not mean it can be produced all at once and deployed to all units.” He added, “There will be cost, production, and facilities issues.”

On the 15th, the North Korean state-run media, Korean Central News Agency, revealed photos stating that Kim Jong Un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, supervised the test firing of the “ground-to-sea missile Badasuri-6” the previous morning. ⓒKorean Central News Agency

The scene of the Bulhwasal-3-31 type, which was revealed as a new strategic cruise missile, being launched (archive photo) ⓒKorean Central News Agency

No movements related to Day of the Shining Star parade

Meanwhile, the South Korean military stated that there are no preparations for a parade to commemorate the birthday (Day of the Shining Star) of the former Chairman of the National Defense Commission, Kim Jong Il, which is one day away.

Although it has been confirmed that crowds have recently gathered in Kim Il Sung Square, where large-scale events such as parades are held, the military authorities explained that it is not a defense-related event.

Spokesman Lee said, “There are no confirmed movements for a parade.” He added, “We know there are some other celebratory events.”