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FACTBOX-A look at North Korea's missile arsenal
24 Feb 2009 02:28:23 GMT
 Source: Reuters
SEOUL, Feb 24 (Reuters) - North Korea said on Tuesday it is preparing to launch a satellite on one of its rockets, which analysts have said could actually be a test-launch of its longest-range missile.

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. It first test-fired a Scud-B type missile in April 1984 and tested a Scud-C in May 1986. The North has steadily been improving the ability of its Scuds to carry heavier warheads.

RODONG TYPE - The Rodong, first test-fired in 1993 and operationally deployed in 1998, has an estimated range of 1,000 to 1,400 km. It can hit all of South Korea and most of Japan.

IRBM - South Korea's Defence Ministry said on Monday that North Korea had deployed a new type of mid-range ballistic missile that can travel about 3,000 km (1,865 miles). The unnamed intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) has a range that puts U.S. military bases in Guam at risk. It has been deployed.

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 fired over Japan in 1998.

The Taepodong-2 was test-launched in July 2006 and flew for about 40 seconds before it blew apart. It is a multi-stage missile under development with a possible range of 6,700 km, which could hit Alaska.

The Taepodong-X is a solid fuel missile under development with an estimated range of 2,500 km to 4,000 km.

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

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 is also suspect. (Sources: Center for Nonproliferation Studies, South Korean Defence Ministry, Rand) (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz, Jack Kim and Kim Junghyun, editing by Dean Yates)


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