Second Test Launch of NK Surface-To-Ship Missile

Reports indicate that North Korea test launched its 2nd surface-to-ship missile (SSM-1) on Monday following another recent test launch on the 24th.

“North Korea launched a surface-to-ship missile around noon on March 10 into the East Sea from its first launch location, the coastline of Shinsangri, Hannam,” A high ranking official of the Ministry of National Defense said. “The missile took the same route as the previously launched missile and landed in the East Sea about 110 kilometers from the North Korean coast.”

“It is assumed to be a surface-to-ship cruise missile, the same type as in the previous launch,” he explained.

The Ministry of National Defense figures that the maximum range of the surface-to-ship missile to be around 160 kilometers. It is currently in the process of learning the actual results of the test launch.

Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan’s Defense Agency confirmed North Korea’s missile test launch at the Senate Committee on accounts. “It wasn’t a Rodong missile or other ballistic missile. It was a surface-to-ship missile similar to the one launched before. I don’t believe that this has any major effect on the peace or security of Japan,” he said.

“This is different from an emergency situation. This issue of North Korea’s launch will be observed more closely with the aim of full preparations for national security,” Junichiro Koizumi, Japanese Prime Minister, said, answering an inquiry by a member of the Senate.

From information on North Korea selecting areas off its northeastern coast as prohibited from March 8 to March 11, Korea, the United States and Japan presumed another test launch of a missile by North Korea and strengthened their collection of related information.

Hun-Joo Cho Sang-Ho Yun hanscho@donga.com ysh1005@donga.com