The Hwasong-6 (Korean: 《화성-6》형; lit. Mars Type 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 around 1984,[1] and with only relatively minor modifications, a new type was produced from 1989, designated Hwasong-6 ("Scud Mod. C" or "Scud-C"). It was first tested in June 1990, and entered full-scale production the same year, or in 1991. It is likely out of production.[1] The North Koreans would later use their acquired know-how to produce domestic copies of the Scud-B to create a larger missile, the Hwasong-7.[3]
To increase range over its predecessor, the Hwasong-6 has its payload decreased to 770 kg (1,700 lb) and the length of the rocket body extended to increase the propellant by 25%; accuracy is 700–1,000 m (2,300–3,300 ft) circular error probability (CEP).[1][4] 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.[5]
The Hwasong-6 is armed with a high-explosive (HE) fragmentation or cluster warhead,[6] but it's believed that it can also carry a nuclear, chemical, or biological warhead.[1]
Before the 2015 Houthi takeover in Yemen, the country didn't have a domestic missile program, and had only a small stockpile of Soviet-made Scud-B and North Korean Hwasong-6 missiles bought in the 1980s and 1990s. These were used against the pro-Hadi forces in the summer of that year. Since then, the Houthis have used domestically produced ballistic missiles with Iranian assistance.
Variants
Iran
North Korea
Yemen
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[5] and to Yemen.[10] Myanmar also imported Hwasong-6 ballistic missiles in 2009.[11] About 25 Hwasong-6 ballistic missiles were purchased by Vietnam from North Korea in 1997.[12]
In 1995, Libya purchased 5 Hwasong-6 missiles from North Korea, however they were never tested or deployed, and planned local production was cancelled in 2003 with the disarmament of Libya.[12]
Operators
Current
Egypt − Reportedly purchased in 1996, unconfirmed[13]
Iran − Produced locally as the Shahab-2. Status uncertain
Myanmar − Reported
North Korea − 30+ Hwasong 5/6 launchers as of 2024
Syria − Scud-C
Vietnam − Scud-C
Non-state
Libya[12]
Yemen − Pre-war stocks depleted during the Yemeni civil war (2014–present). Most were converted into Burkan missiles by the Houthis[21]
See also
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized. |
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized. |
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized. |
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized. |
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized. |
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized. |
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References
Bibliography
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