| Pukguksong-6 (presumed) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Submarine-launched ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2022 |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| No. built | 4 prototypes |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 13.2 m (43 ft)[1] |
| Width | 2.21 m (7.3 ft)[1] |
| Warhead | Nuclear warhead MIRV-capable (unconfirmed) |
| Propellant | solid fuel |
Launch platform | submersible barge, submarine (planned) |
ThePukguksong-6 (Korean: 북극성-6;lit. Polaris 6) is presumed to be the official designation for aNorth Korean solid-fueledsubmarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) first unveiled in 2022.[2]
| Images of thePukguksong-6 | |
|---|---|
 At the 25 April 2022 military parade |
ThePukguksong-6 is a solid-propelled missile probably derived fromPukguksong-5.[3] It is longer thanPukguksong-4 and Pukguksong-5.[4] The missile's estimated length and diameter is 13.2 m (43 ft) and 2.21 m (7.3 ft) respectively. The missile likely uses three-stage design.[1] However, German analyst Norbert Brügge claimed the missile to be a two-stage silo-based missile with a longer first stage compared to Pukguksong-5.[5]
As an improved version of Pukguksong-5,Pukguksong-6 may have a much longer range and capability of carryingmultiple warheads,[6] and is believed to be able to carry three to fourreentry vehicles.[7] The missile is believed to be theoretically capable of hitting thecontinental United States.[8] However, a South Korean source gives an estimated range of 4,000 km (2,500 mi).[7]
The missile is also claimed to be the largest SLBM produced by North Korea,[9] as well as the North Korea's largest solid-fueled ballistic missile as of September 2022.[3]
It is possible that the missile is intended to be launched from a 3,000-ton submarine under construction as of 2022.[8]
North Korea first displayedPukguksong-6 on 25 April 2022 during a military parade. Four missiles were placed on 6-axle trucks. North Korea did not reveal the official designation, and thePukguksong-6 designation remains unconfirmed.[3]
A small-scale model of the missile appeared at a banquet attended byKim Jong Un on 27 August 2023.[10]
There has been no known test forPukguksong-6.[11]
