Pukguksong-6

Pukguksong-6 (presumed)
Type	Submarine-launched ballistic missile
Place of origin	North Korea
Production history
Designed	2022
Manufacturer	North Korea
No. built	4 prototypes
Specifications
Length	13.2 m (43 ft)[1]
Width	2.21 m (7.3 ft)[1]
Warhead	Nuclear warhead MIRV-capable (unconfirmed)
Propellant	solid fuel
Launch platform	submersible barge, submarine (planned)

The Pukguksong-6 (Korean: 북극성-6; lit. Polaris 6) is presumed to be the official designation for a North Korean solid-fueled submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) first unveiled in 2022.[2]

Description

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

The Pukguksong-6 is a solid-propelled missile probably derived from Pukguksong-5.[3] It is longer than Pukguksong-4 and Pukguksong-5.[4] The missile's estimated length and diameter is 13.2 m (43 ft) and 2.21 m (7.3 ft) respectively. The missile likely uses three-stage design.[1] 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.[5]

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

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.[3]

It is possible that the missile is intended to be launched from a 3,000-ton submarine under construction as of 2022.[8]

History

North Korea first displayed Pukguksong-6 on 25 April 2022 during a military parade. Four missiles were placed on 6-axle trucks. North Korea did not reveal the official designation, and the Pukguksong-6 designation remains unconfirmed.[3]

A small-scale model of the missile appeared at a banquet attended by Kim Jong Un on 27 August 2023.[10]

There has been no known test for Pukguksong-6.[11]

See also

• Pukguksong-3
• Pukguksong-4
• Pukguksong-5

References

1. Tianran Xu (25 July 2022). "Emerging Capabilities? The Unflown SLBMs of the DPRK" (PDF). Open Nuclear Network. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
2. Chaewon Chung; Jeongmin Kim (26 April 2022). "North Korea shows off apparent new solid fuel missile". NK News. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
3. "S/2022/668" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. 7 September 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
4. Tianran Xu (2 May 2022). "25 April 2022 DPRK Parade" (PDF). Open Nuclear Network. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
5. Norbert Brügge. "Pukguksong-6 GLBM". b14643.eu. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
6. Daehan Lee (26 April 2022). "North Korea showcases new SLBM during military parade". Naval News. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
7. "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). 7 May 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
8. Gabriel Honrada (27 April 2022). "North Korea's new sub missile aims for US mainland". Asia Times. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
9. H. I. Sutton (26 April 2022). "Seen For First Time : North Korea's Largest Submarine Launched Missile". H I Sutton - Covert Shores. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
10. Colin Zwirko (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.
11. "The CNS North Korea Missile Test Database". Nuclear Threat Initiative. Retrieved 1 February 2025.