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North Korea conducts second flight test of cruise missile
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Special to World Tribune.com
EAST-ASIA-INTEL.COM
Friday, October 31, 2003
North Korea on Oct. 25 conducted a second test of its new anti-ship cruise missile.
According to U.S. officials, this was the second flight test of the new missile in a week. The previous test occurred Oct. 20. At least one additional test is expected in the coming days.
The missile was tracked from the coast of northeastern North Korea into the Sea of Japan. The missile was identified as a longer-range North Korean version of the Chinese HY-2 Silkworm antiship missile.
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency estimates the missile has a range of about 100 miles and possesses a new "over-the-horizon" targeting capability requiring an advanced guidance system.
The missile underwent other testing in February and March. The recent flight tests indicate the North Koreans are making progress toward operational deployment.
U.S. officials fear North Korea will export the new missile to rogue states, as they have done with ballistic missiles, including the short-range Scud-B and medium-range Nodong.
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