Hwasong-6


The Hwasong-6 is a North Korean tactical ballistic missile. It is derived from the Hwasong-5, itself a derivative of the Soviet R-17 Elbrus. It carries the NATO reporting name Scud.

History

Work on an extended-range version of the Hwasong-5 began in 1988, and with only relatively minor modifications, a new type was produced from 1989, designated Hwasong-6. It was first tested in June 1990, and entered full-scale production the same year, or in 1991. It was superseded by the Rodong-1.
To increase range over its predecessor, the Hwasong-6 has its payload decreased to and the length of the rocket body extended to increase the propellant by 25%; accuracy is 700–1,000 meters circular error probability. Such range is sufficient to strike targets as far away as western Japan. Its dimensions are identical to the original Hwasong-5. Due to difficulties in procuring MAZ-543 TELs, mobile launchers were produced in North Korea. By 1999, North Korea was estimated to have produced 600 to 1,000 Hwasong-6 missiles, of which 25 had been launched in tests, 300 to 500 had been exported, and 300 to 600 were in service with the Korean People's Army.
Variant with terminal maneuverability was tested in May 2017. U.S. intelligence referred to the upgraded missile as the KN-18.

Export

The Hwasong-6 was exported to Iran, where it is designated as the Shahab-2, to Syria, where it is manufactured under licence with Chinese assistance and to Yemen. Uncertain status of Hwasong-6 export to Vietnam.