This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
According to a South Korean military source, North Korea receives a number of DR-3 REYS unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from a country in the Middle East that has a military agreement with North Korea. The UAVs were manufactured in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The DR-3 REYS is 7.3 meters long and has a wingspan of 3 meters. According to the report, North Korea has been actively developing a UAV but has yet to deploy any.
—Yu Yŏng Wŏn, "Puk, Chŏngch'alyong Muinhanggonggi Chungdongsŏ Chegongbada," Chosun Ilbo, 22 April 2001, <http://www.chosun.com/>; Yoo Young Won, "NK Acquires Aerial Drone," Chosun Ilbo, 22 April 2001, <http://www.chosun.com/>.
North Korea reorganizes its FROG and ballistic missile forces. A ballistic missile division is established directly subordinate to the General Staff Department. The organization has a FROG brigade (previously under the Artillery Command), a Hwasŏng-5/6 regiment, and the Nodong battalion.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper no. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 23.
Egypt claims missile cooperation with North Korea ends.
—"Up to 300 N. Koreans in Egypt for Missile Program, World Tribune, 21 June 2001, <http://www.worldtribune.com/>; "Up to 300 N. Koreans Aid Egypt's Missile Program," Middle East Newsline, vol. 3, no. 242, 21 June 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com/;> "Egypt May Have Acquired No Dong Technology," Janes Missiles and Rockets, September 2001, p. 3.
Thomas Hubbard, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs, contacts North Korea to request a meeting to discuss missile proliferation issues. North Korea agrees to the meeting in principle but says that economic sanctions will have to be loosened before Pyongyang agrees on a date for the talks.
—Evan S. Medeiros, "U.S., North Korea May Hold Talks on North's Missile Sales, MTCR Status," Arms Control Today, vol. 26, no. 1, February 1996, p. 25.
The Jerusalem Post reports that North Korea is assisting Syria construct a missile factory. According to the report, "intelligence sources" believe the factory could be operational by 1998. The report also says that Iran and Syria are cooperating in the production of Scud-C missiles.
—Steve Rodan, "Eye in the Sky," Jerusalem Post, 12 January 1996, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
CIA Director John Deutch tells a US Senate Select Committee that North Korea is developing long-range missiles. The United States should focus on stopping North Korea from acquiring guidance-and-control technology that could make its long-range missiles more accurate and lethal. Deutch says that North Korea has sold Scud-B and Scud-C missiles to Libya, Syria, and other countries. He also says that North Korea is developing a 1,000km Nodong missile that could be deployed in the near future, and that development continues on the Taepondong, which could reach Alaska and be operational after the turn of the century.
—John M. Deutch, "Worldwide Threat Assessment Brief to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence by the Director of Central Intelligence, John M. Deutch," 22 February 1996, <http://www.odci.gov/cia/>.
According to CIA sources, North Korea delivers seven shiploads of equipment and materials for producing Scud-C missiles to Egypt between March and April 1996. The missile shipments are part of a 1980s licensing agreement between Egypt and North Korea. According to the Washington Times, the shipments include "steel sheets for Scuds and support equipment," but the Korean press describes the shipments as containing "rocket motors and guidance systems." According to the International Defense Review, North Korea also provides assistance to produce Scud-C transporter erector launchers (TELs) and to "produce a variant with a greater range (450km) under Project T."
—Bill Gertz, "Cairo's Missile Buy Violates U.S. Laws; North Korea Sold Scuds, CIA Says," Washington Times, 21 June 1996, pp. A1, A22; Kim Chae Yong, "Puk 3-4 Wŏl Egypt'e Scud Missile Chaejoyong Mulcha Konggŭp," Taehan Maeil, 23 June 1996, <http://www.kdaily.com/>; "Missile Chejoyong Mulchil Pukhan, Egypt'e Konggŭp," Joongang Ilbo, 22 June 1996, <http://www.joins.com/>; "Ballistic Missile Threat Evolves," International Defense Review, vol. 33, no. 10, 1 October 2000, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
Taiwanese customs officials announce that a North Korean ship, the Chŏn Sŭng, bound for Pakistan, was found to be carrying 15 tons (200 barrels) of ammonium perchlorate, which is used in manufacturing rocket propellants. The shipment was discovered last week in Kaoshuing Harbor. The shipment was destined for Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, but the ship will return to North Korea.
—"Puk Han, Pakistan'e Missile Chaejoyong Hwahagmulchil Such'ul Shido," Chosun Ilbo, 12 March 1996, <http://www.chosun.com/>; "Rocket Chejoyong Kwayŏmsosanyŏm/Puk, Pakistan Such'ul'gido," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 13 March 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
During a luncheon at Ch'ŏnghwadae, the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korean President Kim Young Sam says that the Kim Ch'aek Iron and Steel Complex has completely shut down, and that the only North Korean factories operating are those for conventional weapons and long-range missiles. The South Korean Ministry of Unification issues a similar statement the following day. [Note: The Kim Ch'aek Iron and Steel Complex may produce steel for missiles.]
—Ch'oe Wŏn Ki, "Pukhan Kimch'aekchech'ŏlso Kadong Ol Sŭ't'op," Joongang Ilbo, 24 March 1996, p. 25, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Cho Min Ho, "Puk Ch'oedae 'Kimch'aekchech'ŏlso' Kadongjungdan/T'ongilwŏn Palp'yo," Segye Ilbo, 24 March 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
A South Korean government source reveals that the United States and North Korea will hold bilateral missile talks in Berlin 20-21 April.
—Kyodo News Service, "U.S., N. Korea to Hold Talks on Missile Exports," Japan Economic Newswire, 1 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Pungmi 19 Il Missile Hoedam/I't'ŭltong'an/Berlin'sŏ 1 Ch'ahoeŭi Hab'ŭi," Donga Ilbo, 1 April 1996, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Lee T'ae Hŭi, "Mibuk 19 Il Missile Hyŏpsang/Berlin'sŏ 1 Ch'ahoedam," Kukmin Ilbo, 1 April 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
According to a US government source, the United States will demand that North Korea stop further development of its Nodong missile when the two sides meet for missile talks on 19 April in Berlin. The talks are also expected to cover exports to the Middle East, as well as missile deployments in North Korea. However, North Korea is expected to ask for compensation for lost revenues if it ceases missile exports.
—Kyodo News Service, "U.S. to Demand Halt to N. Korean Rodong Missile Program," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >; "Mi-Puk, 19il Berlin'sŏ Missile Hoedam," Chosun Ilbo, 4 April 1996, <http://www.chosun.com>.
According to a South Korean Foreign Ministry official, South Korea and the United States will seek limits on the transfer and indigenous development of North Korea's missile technology in negotiations between the United States and North Korea scheduled for April 1996.
—Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 6 April 1996, in "ROK, U.S. Reportedly to Push Limits for DPRK Missile Development," FBIS-EAS-96-068, Document ID FTS19960406000168, 6 April 1996.
A Pentagon report, "Nonproliferation: Threats and Response," highlights North Korea's ballistic missile and other weapons of mass destruction programs. The report says North Korea has "significantly advanced its ballistic missile program during the last 10 years." The report also says that Pyongyang acquires technology and resources from abroad, including from Choch'ongnyŏn (Chosen Soren), the pro-North Korea General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. North Korea produces Scud-B and Scud-C missiles with ranges of 300km and 500km, respectively. There are reportedly several hundred Scud variants in the North Korean inventory. North Korea is also nearing completion of development for the Nodong, which has an estimated range of 1,000km. The report also says that Pyongyang is designing the Taepodong-1 and Taepodong-2, with estimated ranges greater than 1,500km and 4,000km, respectively.
—US Department of Defense, "Proliferation: Threat and Response," 11 April 1996, <http://www.defenselink.mil/>; R. Jeffrey Smith, "Germ, Nuclear Arms Top Pentagon's List of Threats," Washington Post, 12 April 1996, p. A32, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Bill Gertz, "Weapons Spread Seen as 'Urgent Threat'; Perry: Reducing Nonproliferation Risk 'an Absolute Priority of the U.S.'," Washington Times, 12 April 1996, p. A3; Na Yun Do, "'Sajŏnggŏri 1 Ch'ŏn km Missile Kaebalwallo'/'Puk Mugigaebal' Mi Kukpangbubogo," Taehan Maeil, 14 April 1996, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
A US government source says there is a dispute between the North Korean Foreign and Defense Ministries over missile talks with the United States. Officials from the Foreign Ministry will represent North Korea in the talks.
—Kyodo News Service, "N. Korea Military Negative about Missile Talks with U.S.," Japan Economic Newswire, 14 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
During a summit meeting in Korea, President Bill Clinton and President Kim Young Sam propose four-party talks with representatives from the United States, China, North Korea, and South Korea to seek a permanent peace settlement on the Korean peninsula.
—"Text of South Korea-U.S. Joint Statement on North Korea," Agence France Presse, 16 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; C.W. Lim, "Clinton Urges North Koreans to Accept 'Proposal for Peace'," Agence France Presse, 16 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
Jane's Defence Weekly reports that North Korea may have suspended its Nodong-1 program for technical and financial reasons. However, other analysts say that Nodongs are in the early stage of production and that North Korea may have as many as 60 Nodongs ready for use, and that 20 Nodongs may have already been exported to Iran. North Korea continues to develop the long-range Taepodong-1 (Paektusan-1) and Taepodong-2 missiles, with the first test for the Taepodong-1 (Paektusan-1) expected in 1997.
—Lennox Duncan, "Ballistic Missiles," Jane's Defence Weekly, 17 April 1996, pp. 40, 43-44.
A US government official says that North Korea is negotiating with the United Arab Emirates and possibly Vietnam to sell missiles and missile technology. He says that the talks with Vietnam are potentially for upgrading Vietnam's current system, and not for new missiles.
—Kyodo News Service, "U.S. Sees N. Korea Missile Exports to Vietnam, UAE," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Puk, Vietnam UAE Wa Missile Hyŏpsang/Kongdongt'ongshin Podo," Segye Ilbo, 19 April 1996, p. 10, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Vietnam-UAE Wado/Puk, Missle Such'ulhyŏpsang," Taehan Maeil, 19 April 1996, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
According to a report from South Korea's Korean Institute of Defense Analysis (KIDA), the Second Economic Committee under the Korean Workers Party controls all military production in North Korea. The Second Economic Committee, headed by Chairman Kim Chŏl Man, oversees three underground factories for the production of missiles and guided munitions.
—"Pukhan Kunsugongjang'ŭn Tang'i Kwalli," Chosun Ilbo, 20 April 1996, <http://www.chosun.com>.
North Korean and US officials meet in Berlin to discuss missile proliferation issues. North Korean officials describe the talks as "comprehensive" although both delegations refuse to offer details. The United States is seeking to curb North Korean missile exports and technology transfers to the Middle East and would welcome North Korean admission to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). It is revealed in June 1996 that the United States indicated a willingness to lift economic sanctions in exchange for North Korea's halting the development and export of missiles. The North Korean delegation apparently expressed a willingness to negotiate on issues in addition to limiting missile development.
—Bill Gertz, "U.S. Will Pull Sanctions if Pyongyang Halts Missile Program," Washington Times, 5 June 1996, p. A20; "U.S. Is Optimistic At North Korea Talks, New York Times, 21 April 1996, p. 13, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. and North Korea End Two-Day Missile Programme Talks," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 21 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "US, North Korea Halt Arms Talks," Agence France Presse, 21 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kyodo News Service, "U.S., N. Korea make 'Useful' Start to Missile Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 21 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S., DPRK End First Round of Talks, Xinhua News Agency, 21 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Mi, Pukhan'gwa Onŭl Missile Hyŏpsang Shijak," Chosun Ilbo, 20 April 1996, <http://www.chosun.com/>.
A US State Department spokesman says the just concluded missile talks with North Korea were useful, but a new date has not been set for further talks.
—"US Says Talks with North Korea Were Useful," Agence France Presse, 22 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
The Korean Central News Agency reports that North Korea will continue missile talks with the United States.
—"Puk 'Missile Hyŏpsang Kyesok'," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 24 April 1996, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Puk Changgŏri Missile Kaebal Migukkwa Hyŏpsang Kyesokhal'gŏt," Donga Ilbo, 24 April 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Pyongyang Reports about Missile Talks with Washington," Agence France Presse, 25 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
Robert G. Bell, senior director for defense policy and arms control at the White House, says a US National Intelligence Estimate, which concluded that no new strategic missile system would threaten the continental United States, reflects a consensus within the US intelligence community. Bell admits, however, that the intelligence community's knowledge of North Korea's Taepodong-2 program is incomplete.
—"NSC Aide Defends Intelligence Estimate's Missile Outlook," Aerospace Daily, 9 May 1996, pp. 233-234.
Syria offers North Korea 100,000 tons of food in exchange for weapons such as missiles.
—Michael Sheridan, "Koreans Barter Missiles for Food to Beat Famine," Sunday Times, 16 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Michael Sheridan, "N. Korea May Trade Missiles for Arab Grain," The Australian, 17 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Syria, China to Offer Additional Food Aid to North Korea," Agence France Presse, 24 May 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 17 June 1996, in "ROK: DPRK Said Negotiating With Syria To Exchange Missiles for Food," FBIS-EAS-96-117, 17 June 1996, p. 52.
The United States imposes sanctions on North Korea and Iran for violation of the US Arms Export Control Act and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The sanctions, effective 24 May 1996, prohibit US companies from engaging in missile-technology related exports, or contracts to export with Changgwang Shinyong Company of North Korea, and with the Ministry of Defense Armed Forces Logistics and the State Purchasing Office of Iran.
—Federal Register, vol. 61, no. 114, 12 June 1996, p. 29785.
Syrian missile technicians spend two weeks training in North Korea. The visit was likely mostly concerned with the Hwasŏng-6 (Scud-C) program, but the Syrians may have also been interested in the Nodong. The Syrian technicians reportedly provide information on the 9K79 Tochka (SS-21 Scarab) missile to North Korea.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper no. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, pp. 19, 26, 32.
An Iranian military delegation secretly visits Pyongyang to negotiate a contract for the purchase of North Korean missiles. Iranian Defense Minister Mohammed later leads a delegation to Pyongyang on 31 August 1996 to sign the agreement.
—Lee Yŏng Chong, "Pukhan-Iran Kunsa'ŭijŏngsŏ Sŏ'myŏng," Joongang Ilbo, 3 September 1996, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs Winston Lord announces that the United States is willing to lift sanctions imposed on North Korea, provided the latter agrees to terminate its missile production and export programs. According to Lord, North Korea was made aware of this policy in April 1996 during the first round of bilateral missile talks in Berlin.
—Bill Gertz, "U.S. Will Pull Sanctions if Pyongyang Halts Missile Program," Washington Times, 5 June 1996, p. A20.
A US government official says the United States and North Korea have agreed in principle to hold a second round of missile talks aimed at curbing Pyongyang's missile development program and missile exports.
—Kyodo News Service, "U.S., N. Korea to Hold 2nd Meeting on Missiles by August," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
The Joongang Ilbo reports that North Korea receives $1 billion per year from missile sales, accounting for half of North Korea's export earnings.
—Ch'oe Wŏn Ki, "Shilche Tŭronaen Pukhan Missile Connection," Joongang Ilbo, 24 June 1996, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
According to a military source, North Korea has exported 370 missiles since July 1987. Between July 19897 and February 1988, North Korea exported about 100 Scud-B missiles for the first time. Beginning in 1991, North Korea exported about 100 Scud-C missiles to Iran. Missiles exports to Iran, Syria, and Libya have totaled 370. North Korea is also supporting the construction of missile assembly plants in Libya, Iran, and Syria. According to the military source, North Korea is also planning to export the Nodong-1 to countries in the Middle East.
—"Pukhanjae Scud Missile 3 Paek 70 Ki Arab Such'ul," Taehan Maeil, 12 July 1996, <http://www.kdaily.com/>; "Scud Missile 370 Yŏdae Pukhan, Chungdongjiyŏge Such'ul," Joongang Ilbo, 12 July 1996, <http://www.joins.com>.
Syria ships Soviet-built, 70km-range SS-21 Scarab missiles to North Korea. If North Korea is able to reverse-engineer the SS-21's sophisticated guidance package, it could use the technology to improve the accuracy of its Scud missiles. [Note: Reverse-engineering and adapting the SS-21's guidance system would be an exceedingly difficult proposition. Also, there is speculation that North Korea might have modified a Scarab to use as the third stage for its attempted satellite launch on 31 August 1998.]
—Wyn Bowen, Tim McCarthy, and Holly Porteous, "Ballistic Missile Shadow Lengthens," Jane's IDR Extra, vol. 2, no. 2, February 1997, pp. 1-3; Ch'oe Hong Sŏp, "'[Israel] Pukhan-Chungdong Missile Connection Magara'," Chugan Chosun, 12 April 2001, <http://www.weekly.chosun.com>.
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammed and his delegation arrive in Pyongyang to sign a military cooperative agreement and to discuss the procurement of North Korean missiles and other weapons. The agreement covers North Korean exports of missiles and the provision of missile technology to Iran, as well as the testing of North Korean-produced missiles in Iran.
—Lee Yŏng Chong, "Pukhan-Iran Kunsa'ŭijŏngsŏ Sŏ'myŏng," Joongang Ilbo, 3 September 1996, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Chang Chun Ik, Pukhan Haek-Missile Chŏnjaeng (Seoul: Sŏmundang, May 1999), p. 291.
In testimony before the US Senate, former CIA Director James Woolsey says that North Korea may be able to strike Alaska and Hawaii with the Taepodong-2 ballistic missile within 15 years.
—"Puk Kaebal Taepodong 2 Ho Missile/Mi Pont'o Konggyŏk Kanŭng," Taehan Maeil, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Pukhan Taepodong Missile/15 Nyŏnnae Mi Konggyŏk Kanŭng/CIA Kukchang," Segye Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Lee Sang Sŏk, "Puk Taepodong 2 Ho Missile/15 Nyŏnnae Mi'guk Konggyŏk Wihyŏp," Hankook Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
South Korea's Ministry of National Unification submits a report to the National Assembly saying that North Korea can produce approximately 100 Scud-B and Scud-C missiles annually, and has exported approximately 400 missiles to Iran and Syria. The report also says that North Korea has also been transferring missile production plants and missile technology to Iran and Syria. Between 1980 and 1993, arms exports accounted for approximately 30 percent of all North Korean exports. North Korea's missile exports are valued at about $500 million annually.
—Yonhap News Agency, 25 September 1996, in "Scud Missiles Reportedly Being Exported to Iran and Syria," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 September 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kyodo News Service, "N. Korea Said Capable of Making 100 Missiles a Year," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 September 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kim Yŏn Kwang, "Puk, Yŏn'gan Scud Paekki Saengsan/Kukkam Charyo," Chosun Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Kang Yŏng Chin, "Puk Missile Nyŏn 100 Yŏgi Saengsan Nŭngnyŏk," Joongang Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 15, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; O Il Man, "Puk, 'Scud' Yŏn 1 Paekki Saengsan/T'ongilwŏn Kukkamjaryo," Taehan Maeil, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Lee Dae Kun, "Puk Scud Missile Yŏn 1 Paeg'yŏgi Saengsannŭngnyŏk/Iran Tŭng'e 4 Paekki Such'ul," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Cho Min Ho, "Puk, Missile Yŏn 100 Ki Saengsannŭngnyŏk/Arapchiyŏk 4 Paekki Such'ul/T'ongilwŏn Charyo," Segye Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Lee Hŭng U, "Scud B-C Hyŏng Missile Puk Yŏn 1 Paekki Saengsan'ganŭng/T'ongilwŏn," Kukmin Ilbo, 25 September 1996, p. 2., in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
According to the Philippine Star, Korean Workers Party Secretary Hwang Chang Hyŏp sells information on the Nodong-2 and Nodong-3 missiles, which are under development, to Chinese authorities four months before going to the South Korean Embassy in Beijing and asking for political asylum. The report, quoting Philippine intelligence sources, says that Hwang sold classified pictures of the missiles to the Chinese and received payment in a foreign bank account. However, the report cannot be confirmed through other sources.
—"North Korean Defector Sold Missile Secrets to China: Philippine Report," Agence France Presse, 16 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "[Hwang Piso] Pukhan Rodong Missile Kukpijongbo Chungguke P'alanŏmgyo," Chosun Ilbo, 16 April 1997, <http://www.chosun.com/>.
Jiji Press and NHK Television in Japan report that North Korea is planning to test-launch a 1,000km-range missile in the Sea of Japan. According to Jiji Press, military representatives from Iran are present at the launch site to observe the missile's performance prior to purchase. The Sankei Shimbum later reports that Syrian officials are also present for a planned test. According to military sources, North Korea has sent a frigate to the Sea of Japan for the test. Furthermore, A US satellite imagery reportedly reveals a fuel truck loading fuel into the missile. This imagery is later used to estimate the Nodong's range, which is revised upward to 1,300km from 1,000km. The United States responds by sending an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the test, and Japan sends an escort ship to monitor the missile in its terminal phase. However, the flight test is cancelled.
—"North Korea Preparing Test-Fire Missile: Sources," Agence France Presse, 16 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "North Korea Preparing Test-Launch of Missile over Sea of Japan: NHK," Agence France Presse, 16 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Plans Missile Test Near Japan," Jiji Press Ticket Service, 16 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Sankei Shimbum, 11 April 1997, in "Japanese Source Says Missiles Deployed Along Sea of Japan Coast," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 12 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Chŏn Hyŏn Il, "Puk Missile Kaebal Wihŏmsuwi/Miil Kunsadangguk Kyŏnggyue Kanghwa," Segye Ilbo, 14 May 1997, p. 7, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "[Puk Rodong 1 Ho] Il, Howiham 1 Ch'ŏk P'a'gyŏn," Chosun Ilbo, 20 October 1996, <http://www.chosun.com>; "'Puk Nodong 1 Ho Palsashilhŏm Chunbi'—Mi-Il Soshikt'ong," Taehan Maeil, 17 October 1996, <http://www.kdaily.com/>; Joseph S. Bermudez, "N Korea Set for More Ballistic Missile Tests," Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 October 1996, p. 5.
According to a report in Hong Kong's Ming Bao newspaper, North Korea produces 4-6 Scud-C missiles a month and exports them to Middle Eastern countries such as Libya, Iran and Syria. Missile exports are said to be an important source of foreign exchange for North Korea.
—"Puk Scud C Hyŏng Missile Wŏl 4-6 Kae Chungdong Such'ul," Taehan Maeil, 18 October 1996, <http://www.kdaily.com/>.
A North Korean broadcast announces that North Korea may be forced to test a missile in response to the joint US-South Korea military exercise "Foal Eagle," which will be held from 28 October to 10 November.
—"Puk, Nodong 1 Ho Shilhŏm Kanghaengsisa," Taehan Maeil, 26 October 1996, <http://www.kdaily.com>.
According to Jiji Press in Japan, current North Korean missile test preparations may be for a Taepodong [Paektusan-1] instead of a Nodong. Jiji quotes a "reliable Washington source" as saying US electronic intelligence indicates the launch site has emitted an electronic signature for the Taepodong (Paektusan-1).
—"Pukso Shihŏmbalsa Chunbijung'in Missile 'Taepodong' Kanŭngsŏng," Taehan Maeil, 3 November 1996, <http://www.kdaily.com/>.
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns says that North Korea has decided not to conduct a missile test.
—US Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, "Daily Press Briefing," 8 November 1996, <http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/index.html>.
In testimony before the South Korean National Assembly, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Dong Chin says that North Korea may be able to deploy its Nodong-1 missile, with a range of over 1,000km, in 1997 or thereafter. Kim says that North Korea began development of the Nodong in 1988, and tested it in May 1990 and May 1993. The 1993 test failed. Kim said that in mid-October, North Korea had been making arrangements similar to those taken before other flight tests, but there was no test in October.
—Kim Dong Chin, "Kukpang 'Puk 'Nodong 1 Ho' Sajŏnggŏri 1 Ch'ŏn km Missile Shilch'ŏnbaech'i Kanŭng," Taehan Maeil, 12 November 1996, <http://www.kdaily.com/>; Lee Yŏng Sŏng, "'Puk Nodong 1 Ho Naenyŏn Shilchŏn Paech'i'/Kim Kukpang," Hankook Ilbo, 12 November 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Chang Chun Ik, Pukhan Haek-Missile Chŏnjaeng (Seoul: Sŏmundang, May 1999), p. 281.
Former CIA Director Robert Gates tells the US Senate Intelligence Committee that North Korea is having problems developing its Taepodong class of ballistic missiles. North Korea will have to develop a new propulsion system and improved guidance and controls for the missile. Gates notes that economic, technical, and manufacturing problems in North Korea's infrastructure make the development of this new class of missiles unlikely. However, Gates criticizes the US intelligence community for underestimating the possibility of North Korea developing a missile that could strike Alaska or Hawaii. The US intelligence community is confident that the first flight tests of the missile will provide at least five years warning before deployment. [Note: Gates led an independent panel of experts that was formed in response to Republican charges that the Clinton administration "politicized" the drafting of the 1995 National Intelligence Estimate. Some believe the ballistic missile threat to the United States was underestimated in the 1995 report to undermine support for missile defense.]
—Barbara Starr, "Taepo Dong Set for Delays," Jane's Defence Weekly, 11 December 1996, p. 10; Walter Pincus, "Panel: Intelligence Estimate Wasn't Skewed," Washington Post, 5 December 1996, p. A12, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Tim Weiner, "Rejection of 'Star Wars' Not Political, Inquiry Says," New York Times, 5 December 1996, p. 17, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>. Syria conducts several missile tests. Most are believed to be R-17s (Scud-Bs), but some may be Hwasŏng-6s.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 19.
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Updated May 2003 |
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