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FACTBOX-A look at North Korea's missile arsenal
28 Mar 2008 05:59:23 GMT
 Source: Reuters
March 28 (Reuters) - North Korea test-fired short-range missiles on Friday in what analysts said was a show of anger at the United States and the new conservative government in the South.

Here is a look at the North's missile programme

THE ARSENAL

North Korea has more than 800 ballistic missiles. It has more than 1,000 missiles of various ranges in total and has sold missiles and technology overseas, with Iran being one of the large purchasers.

It has more than 600 Scud missiles of various types and 200 Rodong missiles.

SCUD TYPE

The Scud-type missiles include the Hwasong-5, with a range of about 300 km (190 miles) and the Hwasong-6, with a range of about 500 km.

RODONG TYPE

The Rodong has an estimated range of 1,000 to 1,400 km. This missile can hit all of South Korea and most of Japan.

TAEPODONG TYPE

The Taepodong-1 is a multi-stage missile with an estimated range of about 2,000 km to 2,500 km. It uses liquid fuel. This missile was shot over Japan in 1998.

The Taepodong-2 was test-launched in July 2006 and flew for about 40 seconds before it destructed, U.S. officials said. South Korea said the launch was a failure, which would indicate troubles with the technology.

The Taepodong-2 is a multi-stage missile under development with a possible range of 3,500 km to 4,300 km. The range could extend from 5,000 km to 7,000 km, or even longer depending on North Korea's engine technologies and payload, experts have said.

The Taepodong-X is a solid fuel missile under development with an estimated range of 2,500 km to 4,000 km and could reach U.S. bases in Japan and Guam.

North Korea does not have an operational missile that can hit the continental United States, many experts have said.

ACCURACY AND PAYLOAD

Most analysts agree North Korea is some time away from building a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a missile. The accuracy of the mid- to long-range missiles was also suspect. (Sources: Center for Nonproliferation Studies, South Korean Defence Ministry, Rand, National Air and Space Intelligence Centre) (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)


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