Wikipedia

DPRK Missile Administration

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Missile Administration (Korean: 미싸일총국) is the North Korean special bureau that oversees the development of missiles for the Korean People's Army (KPA).[a]

DPRK Missile Administration
미싸일총국
Active30 April 2016; 10 years ago (2016-04-30)
Country North Korea
Allegiance Workers' Party of Korea
Branch Korean People's Army
TypeMilitary research and development
SizeClassified
Commanders
General directorGeneral Jang Chang-ha (de jure)
Kim Ju Ae (de facto, alleged)
Insignia
FlagFront:

Back:
Insignia used by ICBMS
DPRK Missile Administration
Chosŏn'gŭl
미싸일총국
Hancha
미싸일總局
Revised RomanizationMissail Chongguk
McCune–ReischauerMissail Ch'ongguk

History

edit

The bureau was observed on the venue of the enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea held on 7 February 2023 by showing its own flag and it was likely established in November 2022.[2][3] However, information from the agency's flag suggests that it was established in 2016. The Missile Administration may be renamed from the United States-sanctioned Ministry of Rocket Industry.[4]

As of 2026, the English name "DPRK Missile Administration" (or "Missile Administration of the DPRK") is used by North Korean state media.[5] However, they formerly referred to the Missile Administration as "Missile General Bureau" and "General Missile Bureau" in English.[6][7]

Major members

edit

On a silo launch test for short-range ballistic missile Hwasong-11A (KN-23) on 19 March 2023, Kim Jong-sik and Jang Chang-ha were presumed to be the members of the new agency.[8]

As of 2025, North Korean state media confirmed that Jang Chang-ha is the general director of the Missile Administration.[9]

In February 2026, it was reported that Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, had been appointed within the Missile Administration.[10]

Symbols

edit

Flag

edit

The agency's flag features a Hwasong-17 missile flying over Earth against the symbolic atomic nucleus background.[4] The motto inspected on flag reads "For the defense of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the security of its people!" (조선민주주의인민공화국의 안전과 인민의 안녕을 위하여).[11]

Uniform

edit

During a military parade commemorating the 75th founding anniversary of KPA, the soldiers wearing Missile General Bureau uniform and patch were observed. The soldiers wearing MGU were standing next to the KPA soldiers on mobile transporter erector launcher for Hwasong-11A. At the same time, three different flags with red colored background were observed, too.[12]

Missile tests conducted

edit
This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.
Date Type of missile launched Additional notes Reference(s)
18 February 2023 Hwasong-15 The test was guided by the 1st Red Flag Hero Company affiliated with the Missile Administration (then Missile General Bureau). According to the Korean Central News Agency, the company "has rich launching experience among the units operating ICBMs". [13][14]
16 March 2023 Hwasong-17 Third test-fire of Hwasong-17. [15]
13 April 2023 Hwasong-18 The 2nd Red Flag Company affiliated with Missile General Bureau conducted the test. It is the first test-fire of Hwasong-18. [16][17]
12 July 2023 Hwasong-18 The test was organized by the 2nd Red Flag Company affiliated with Missile General Bureau. This is the second test launch of Hwasong-18. [18]
18 December 2023 Hwasong-18 The 2nd Red Flag Company affiliated with General Missile Bureau guided the test. This is the third test launch of Hwasong-18. [7][19]
14 January 2024 Hwasong-16A (presumed) The missile was launched from the first test site of Hwasong-18. [20][21][22]
24 January 2024 Pulhwasal-3-31 First test-fire of Pulhwasal-3-31. According to North Korea, it is "under development". [23][24]
2 February 2024 Hwasal-1 Ra-3 and Pyoljji-1-2 North Korea did not name these missiles. The cruise missile was test-fired to evaluate super-large warhead. [25][26][27]
2 April 2024 Hwasong-16B First test-fire of Hwasong-16B. [28]
20 April 2024 Hwasal-1 Ra-3 and Pyoljji-1-2 According to North Korea, the test-fire of Hwasal-1 Ra-3 was conducted to test super-large warhead. [29][30]
17 May 2024 Hwasong-11D According to North Korea, the missile was fired to test new autonomous guidance technology. [31][32]
26 June 2024 MIRV test vehicle based on the Hwasong-16's first stage The test-fire was conducted to test multiple independently-targeted reentry vehicles. North Korea claimed a successful launch, however, according to South Korea and Japan, the test was a failure. The nosecone of the MIRV test vehicle closely resembles that of Hwasong-17. [33][34][35]
1 July 2024 Hwasong-11C-4.5 First test-fire of Hwasong-11C-4.5. North Korea stated that the missile was launched with a simulated 4.5 tons warhead to verify its flight stability and target accuracy at the range of 90–500 km (56–311 mi). [36][37]
18 September 2024 Hwasong-11C-4.5 and Hwasal-1 Second test-fire of Hwasong-11C-4.5. North Korea also test-fired the upgraded version of the "strategic" cruise missile Hwasal-1 along with Hwasong-11C-4.5 in this test. [26][38][39]
31 October 2024 Hwasong-19 First test-fire of Hwasong-19. The test broke the apogee record for a North Korean missile test (as of November 2024). [40][41]
6 January 2025 Hwasong-16B Second test-fire of Hwasong-16B. [42][43][44]
25 January 2025 Sea-to-ground strategic cruise missiles North Korean state media did not mention the missile's official designation. [45]
20 March 2025 Latest anti-aircraft missile North Korea did not name the missile. [46][47]
28–29 April 2025 Unknown North Korea only confirmed its participation in the Choe Hyon destroyer's weapon systems test without specifying the missile fired by the Missile Administration. [48]
23 August 2025 Two types of new air defence missiles These air defence missiles have "superior combat capability", as well as "unique and special technology". [49][50]
22 October 2025 Hypersonic projectiles The launch may involve Hwasong-11C-4.5 or Hwasong-11E. [51][52][53]
28 October 2025 Sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles The missiles were possibly launched from Choe Hyon destroyer. [54][55][56]
24 December 2025 New-type anti-air missiles The missiles hit the target at 200 km (120 mi) altitude. [57][58]
6–8 April 2026 Various The tests involved a Hwasong-11A equipped with cluster warhead, a "mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile" and missiles equipped with graphite bomb, electromagnetic weapon system and "low-cost" missile engine. It was conducted by research agencies sanctioned by the Missile Administration. [59][60][61]
19 April 2026 Hwasong-11D (five missiles) These upgraded missiles were equipped with cluster warhead and fragmentation mine warhead that hit an target area of 125,000–130,000 m2 (1,350,000–1,400,000 sq ft) with very high firepower. [5][62]
26 May 2026 Various Collaborative weapon test with Academy of Defence Sciences, involving a "multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system" and a lightweight, modular TEL that launched a Hwasong-11D missile and 240 mm multiple launch rockets. [63][64]

Organization

edit

The Missile Administration has two organizations to supervise missile tests:

  • 1st Red Flag Hero Company (제1붉은기영웅중대)
  • 2nd Red Flag Company (제2붉은기중대)

The Missile Administration also has General Academy of Chemical Materials,[65] Anti-Air Weapon System Research Bureau, Ballistic Missile System Institute and Warhead Institute in their organization.[59]

Notes

edit
  1. ↑ It is also likely to be the operator for the ballistic missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads in the KPA since 2023 via the report from Yonhap on 17 March 2023.[1]

References

edit
  1. ↑ Kim, Jiheon; Kim, Ji-yeon (17 March 2023). 北, 화성-17형 "신뢰성 검증" 자평…지구사진 공개로 '기술과시', 전문가들 군사위성 준비 관측…'미사일총국 지휘관 참관' 운용주체 변화 시사 [North Korea, "reliability verification" with self-assessment for Hwasong-17... "technology presentation" by the earth's photo publicly] (in Korean). Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  2. ↑ Shin, Jin-Woo (8 February 2023). "N. Korea establishes 'Missile General Bureau'". The Dong-a Ilbo. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  3. ↑ "North Korea 'expands, reorganizes' military units with operational combat missions: KCNA". Seoul: Yonhap News Agency. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  4. 1 2 Ji, Da-gyum (7 February 2023). "N. Korea unveils 'Missile General Bureau'". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  5. 1 2 "DPRK Missile Administration Test-fires Tactical Ballistic Missiles". Korean Central News Agency. 20 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  6. ↑ Dzihan, Mahadzir (30 April 2025). "Kim Jong Un Wants More Nuclear Weapons on North Korean Warships". USNI News. United States Naval Institute. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  7. 1 2 "Clear Display of DPRK Strategic Forces' Toughest Retaliation Will and Overwhelming Strength - Launch Drill of ICBM Hwasongpho-18 Conducted". Korean Central News Agency. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  8. ↑ @ColinZwirko (19 March 2023). "Also Kim Jong Sik confirmed wearing the MGB arm patch, so as others have suggested recently, it's likely he and Jang Chang Ha are these MGB commanding officers mentioned in state media reports of recent tests. Could also sort of see it on Jang at last week's test" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  9. ↑ "Joint Striking Drill of Long-range Artillery and Missile Systems of Sub-units of KPA on Eastern Front Conducted". Korean Central News Agency. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 20 December 2025. [...] Jang Chang Ha, general director of the Missile Administration of the DPRK [...]
  10. ↑ McCartney, Micah (23 February 2026). "North Korea Leader Elevates Teen Daughter to Missile Chief". Newsweek. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  11. ↑ Samhero (31 October 2025). 【论评】从人民军军旗改制说起 [[Commentary] Starting with the reform of the Korean People's Army flag]. Zhihu (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  12. ↑ @ColinZwirko (12 February 2023). "Twit by Colin Zwirko" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ↑ "ICBM Launching Drill Staged in DPRK". Korean Central News Agency. 19 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Triều Tiên bất ngờ phóng tên lửa có khả năng bay tới Mỹ" [North Korea suddenly launched a missile capable of reaching the US]. Bắc Ninh TV (in Vietnamese). Bac Ninh Newspaper and Radio – Television. 19 February 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
  15. ↑ "Demonstration of Toughest Response Posture of DPRK's Strategic Forces". Korean Central News Agency. 17 March 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  16. ↑ "Another Mighty Entity Showing Continuous Development of Strategic Force Unveiled in DPRK - Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides First Test-Fire of New-Type ICBM Hwasongpho-18 on Spot". Korean Central News Agency. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2026 – via Korean Association of Social Scientists.
  17. ↑ "Triều Tiên xác nhận lần đầu tiên thử nghiệm tên lửa đạn đạo xuyên lục địa "Hwasongpo-18"" [North Korea confirmed first test of the "Hwasongpo-18" ICBM]. NBTV (in Vietnamese). Ninh Binh News & Radio, Television Station. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  18. ↑ "Another Event of Great Significance Recorded in Developing Strategic Force of DPRK - Test-fire of New-type ICBM Conducted - Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Test-fire of ICBM Hwasongpho-18". Korean Central News Agency. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  19. ↑ "Triều Tiên xác nhận phóng tên lửa để 'đáp trả quyết định sai lầm của Mỹ'" [North Korea confirmed missile launch was in response to 'U.S.'s misguided decision']. Bắc Ninh TV (in Vietnamese). Bac Ninh Newspaper and Radio – Television. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  20. ↑ "The CNS North Korea Missile Test Database". Nuclear Threat Initiative. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  21. ↑ "Hypersonic Missile Test-fire Conducted in DPRK". Korean Central News Agency. 15 January 2024. Archived from the original on 15 December 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  22. ↑ Kristensen, Hans M.; Korda, Matt; Johns, Eliana; Knight-Boyle, Mackenzie (15 July 2024). "North Korean nuclear weapons, 2024". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  23. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts First Test-fire of New-type Strategic Cruise Missile". Korean Central News Agency. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  24. ↑ "Triều Tiên xác nhận đã thử tên lửa hành trình chiến lược mới" [North Korea confirmed the test of new strategic cruise missile]. Gia Lai TV (in Vietnamese). Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio, Television. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  25. ↑ "MA Spokesman on Cruise Missile Super-large Warhead Power Test and New-type Anti-aircraft Missile Test-fire". Korean Central News Agency. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
  26. 1 2 Yang, Uk (20 January 2025). 북한의 2024년 군사동향과 2025년의 선택 [North Korea's military trends in 2024 and choices in 2025] (PDF). Asan Institute for Policy Studies (in Korean). p. 4. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  27. ↑ Xu, Tianran (19 July 2024). "Developments of North Korea's Land-based Air Defense Systems". 38 North. Retrieved 7 June 2025. During a parade in October 2020, another type of long-range solid-propellant road-mobile SAM was put on display. North Korea subsequently claimed that this new SAM was tested in September 2021, November 2022, February 2024 and April 2024. During the April 2024 test, the SAM was referred to by state media as Meteor-1-2.
  28. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Succeeds in Test-fire of New-type Intermediate-range Hypersonic Missile". Minju Joson. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  29. ↑ "Super-large Warhead Power Test for Cruise Missile and Test Launch of New Anti-aircraft Missile Conducted". Korean Central News Agency. 20 April 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  30. ↑ Kim, Tong-Hyung (20 April 2024). "North Korea says it tested 'super-large' cruise missile warhead and new anti-aircraft missile". Associated Press. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  31. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Test Fire of Tactical Ballistic Missile That Employs New Technology". Minju Joson. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  32. ↑ Van Diepen, Vann H. (29 May 2024). "North Korea Claims "Autonomous" Guidance and Big Deployments of Its New Small Solid SRBM". 38 North. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  33. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Test of New Important Technology". Korean Central News Agency. 27 June 2024. Archived from the original on 29 July 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  34. ↑ Van Diepen, Vann H. (2 July 2024). "North Korea Reveals a Multiple-warhead Payload in Probable Failed Test". 38 North. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
  35. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (27 June 2024). "North Korea says it successfully tested multiple warhead missile system". NK News. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
  36. ↑ "Triều Tiên xác nhận phóng tên lửa đạn đạo mang đầu đạn siêu lớn" [North Korea confirms the launch of ballistic missile with super-large warhead]. Bắc Ninh TV (in Vietnamese). Bac Ninh Newspaper and Radio – Television. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  37. ↑ "Giải quyết căng thẳng trên Bán đảo Triều Tiên vẫn là bài toán khó" [Resolving the Korean Peninsula tension is very hard]. Gia Lai TV (in Vietnamese). Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio, Television. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
  38. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration and Academy of Defence Sciences Make Public Important Scientific Research Achievements". Korean Central News Agency. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  39. ↑ "Ông Kim Jong-un thị sát thử tên lửa, kêu gọi tăng cường năng lực hạt nhân" [Kim Jong Un supervised missile launch, calls for strengthening nuclear capabilities]. Langson Radio & Television (in Vietnamese). Lang Son Newspaper and Radio, Television. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  40. ↑ "Crucial Test Demonstrating DPRK's Definite Reaction Will and Absolute Superiority of Its Strategic Strike Capability – Test-fire of DPRK's Latest-type ICBM Hwasongpho-19 Successfully Conducted under Guidance of Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un". Korean Central News Agency. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  41. ↑ Yim, Hyunsu (1 November 2024). "North Korea says record test was new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile". Reuters. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  42. ↑ Van Diepen, Vann H. (9 January 2025). "Half A Loaf: Third Hwasong-16 Solid IRBM Test Shows Booster is Ready but HGV Payload Needs Work". 38 North. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  43. ↑ Hyonhee, Shin (7 January 2025). "North Korea successfully tests new intermediate-range missile, state media says". Reuters. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  44. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Succeeds in Test-fire of New-type Intermediate-range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile". Korean Central News Agency. 7 January 2025. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  45. ↑ "Test of Important Weapon System Conducted". Korean Central News Agency. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  46. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Test-fire of Latest Anti-aircraft Missile System". Korean Central News Agency. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  47. ↑ "Triều Tiên phóng tên lửa, cảnh báo hậu quả thảm khốc với Mỹ - Hàn" [North Korea launched missiles, warns of catastrophic consequences for the US and South Korea]. Langson Radio & Television (in Vietnamese). Lang Son Newspaper and Radio, Television. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
  48. ↑ "Combat Application Test of Weapon Systems of Multi-mission Destroyer Choe Hyon Begins". Korean Central News Agency. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  49. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Firing of New Air Defence Missiles". Korean Central News Agency. 24 August 2025. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  50. ↑ "Triều Tiên phóng thử 2 tên lửa đặc biệt có khả năng "tác chiến vượt trội"" [North Korea test-fired two special missiles with "superior combat capabilities"]. Langson Radio & Television (in Vietnamese). Lang Son Newspaper and Radio, Television. 25 August 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
  51. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Tests Important Weapon System". Korean Central News Agency. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  52. ↑ Đào Cảnh (24 October 2025). "Khám phá công nghệ tên lửa Hwasong-11DA-4.5 tầm bắn 900km, tốc độ Mach 6, 'siêu đầu đạn' 4.5 tấn" [Discovering the technology of the Hwasong-11DA-4.5 missile with a range of 900km, speed of Mach 6, and a 4.5-ton 'super warhead']. VietNamNet (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  53. ↑ Chung, Yeong-gyo; Lee, Yu-jung (23 October 2025). "North confirms launch of 'important' hypersonic weapon that could possibly reach APEC host city". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  54. ↑ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Test-fire of Sea-to-Surface Strategic Cruise Missiles". Korean Central News Agency. 29 October 2025. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
  55. ↑ Đăng Vinh (29 October 2025). "Triều Tiên phóng thử tên lửa hành trình chiến lược từ biển vào đất liền" [North Korea launched sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles]. DNRT (in Vietnamese). Da Nang Newspaper and Radio, Television. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  56. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (29 October 2025). Talman, Kristen (ed.). "North Korea tests nuclear-capable cruise missiles on eve of Trump visit to South". NK News. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
  57. ↑ "Vũ khí "khủng" của Triều Tiên lộ diện" [North Korea's "formidable" weapon revealed]. Langson Radio & Television (in Vietnamese). Lang Son Newspaper and Radio, Television. 25 December 2025. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  58. ↑ "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Observes Test-fire of New-type Anti-Air Missiles". Korean Central News Agency. 25 December 2025. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
  59. 1 2 "DPRK Defence Science Research Institutes Conduct Tests of Important Weapon Systems". Korean Central News Agency. 9 April 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  60. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (9 April 2026). "North Korea says it tested missiles with cluster munitions, blackout bombs". NK News. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  61. ↑ "Triều Tiên thử nghiệm thành công tên lửa đạn đạo mang đầu đạn chùm" [North Korea successfully test-fired ballistic missile with cluster warhead]. Quảng Ngãi TV (in Vietnamese). Quang Ngai Newspaper and Radio, Television. 9 April 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  62. ↑ Shim, Kyu-seok (20 April 2026). "North Korean leader Kim oversaw test of missiles with cluster warheads". Reuters. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  63. ↑ "Defence Science Research Institutions of DPRK Conduct Tests of Major Weapons". Korean Central News Agency. 27 May 2026. Retrieved 27 May 2026.
  64. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (27 May 2026). "North Korea tests new modular missile launcher and 'tactical cruise missiles'". NK News. Retrieved 27 May 2026.
  65. ↑ "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Learns about Composite Carbon Fiber Material Production Process and Production of High-thrust Missile Engine". Korean Central News Agency. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DPRK_Missile_Administration&oldid=1357420823"