KN-25

Quick facts Images of the KN-25 ...

Images of the KN-25
Salvo launch
KN-25's wheeled, four-tube launcher
KN-25's wheeled, five-tube launcher
KN-25's wheeled, six-tube launcher
KN-25's tracked, six-tube launcher

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The KN-25 is developed as a hybrid weapon system between short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and traditional multiple rocket launcher (MRL).^[3] Officially described as a "super-large" MRL; however, KN-25 has characteristics of a ballistic missile.^[4] Because of its larger size and greater range compared to traditional rocket artillery, the United States Forces Korea (USFK) categorizes it as a SRBM. It flies on a controlled ballistic trajectory. Missiles are estimated to be 600 mm (24 in) in diameter, 8.2 m (27 ft) long, and weigh 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). They have an unspecified guidance system and have six rotating rear fins, with four moving forward fins, which likely provide the attitude control of the rocket.^[5]

They are mounted on multiple types of launcher, including a six-tube, tracked transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) with 10 road wheels on each side,^[3][6] a four-tube Tatra 813 8×8 wheeled launcher,^[5] a four-axle, road-mobile launcher carrying five tubes,^[7] or a wheeled TEL with six launch tubes.^[8]

It is a battlefield weapon, suitable for deployment at battalion-level, to attack enemy rear-echelon targets and infrastructures,^[9] such as airfield and command center,^[10] out to 380 km (240 mi) with a conventional blast-fragmentation warhead,^[11] weighing 300–500 kg (660–1,100 lb).^[12] In October 2022, the KN-25 was included in a statement among other missiles that North Korea claimed were part of its capability to deliver tactical nuclear weapons.^[13] At a military parade in February 2023, the KN-25 was included among other missiles which the North Korean press collectively referred to these as "tactical nuclear weapons operation units."^[14] In March 2023, North Korea confirmed that KN-25 can be equipped with the Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead.^[15]

The six rotating rear fins are an unusual feature for rocket artillery, a considerable innovation of North Korea. Their purpose is to provide stabilisation of the rocket while in flight, compared to other rocket artillery rounds, which are usually spin stabilised by rotating the entire body. This method of stabilisation creates a more favourable environment for the guidance systems, as the rest of the missile does not rotate.^[16] There are additional four fins at the nose cone for direction control.^[12] It is possible that the missile will be stabilised through rolling the missile when it enters the upper atmosphere, where the smaller control fins are unable to function optimally, and then stopping the spin as it re-enters into denser air.^[5] It has a circular error probable accuracy of 80–90 m (260–300 ft).^[17]

The missile possibly derives from the OTR-21 Tochka/Hwasong-11 (KN-02), which has a similarly sized motor, at 62 cm diameter. Connecting three such motor segments would result in a length similar to the KN-25 rocket.^[18] The KN-25 is likely an indigenous project, as media coverage of this missile emphasises its research, using words such as "Juche projectiles" to describe it, unlike the Hwasong-11A (KN-23).^[19]

According to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, KN-25 incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology.^[20] However, it is possible that the AI incorporation mentioned by North Korea may refer to production, rather than guidance.^[21]

• KN-02
• KN-09