Publications and Analyses

In comparison to previous military parades, the parade on 8 February 2023 put a strong focus on the intercontinental-range nuclear strike force: the parade only displayed a few conventional and short-range nuclear-capable weapon systems, but showcased an unprecedented number of 12 Hwasong-17 ICBMs.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea acknowledged in 2020 that there were issues related to the production of the 600 mm calibre multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). The delivery of thirty such MLRS in December 2022 suggests that these problems have been resolved.

The use of a nuclear weapon anywhere in the world would have far-reaching consequences, with effects extending well beyond the immediate area of impact. ONN has previously noted that any further escalation in Ukraine could potentially expand into an increase in military activity or force re-alignmen...

The DPRK claimed to have tested the country’s first large and high-thrust solid-propellant motor on 15 December 2022 at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground. Judging from the stated thrust of 140 tons of force (tf) and purpose, the motor will likely serve as the first stage of a solid-propellant bal...

The DPRK launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on 18 November 2022. The reported apogee and top speed of Mach 22 correspond to an ICBM with a ~15,000 km range. This is the DPRK's fifth apparently successful ICBM launch.

Since late September, the Korean Peninsula has witnessed a new round of escalation of tensions. Coinciding with multiple joint and individual military exercises of the USA, ROK and Japan, the DPRK launched at least 30 ballistic missiles from 25 September to 14 November 2022 and fired artillery shell...