The KN-19 Kumsong-3 is a North Korean surface-to-surface anti-ship cruise missile. The technology is based on the Russian Kh-35. The missile is ground- or sea-launched.
| Kumsong-3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Anti-ship cruise missile Surface-to-surface missile |
| Place of origin |  North Korea |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Korean People's Army |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 5.3 m (17 ft) |
| Warhead | HE |
| Warhead weight | 145 kg |
| Engine | turbofan (or tj) |
Operational range | 130–250 km |
Guidance system | ARH + IRH |
Launch platform | TELAR |
History
editFirst propaganda videos were released in 2014. A flight test happened in 2015. Missiles and a mobile launcher were presented in 2017.[1]
Technology
editThe missile is similar to a Russian Kh-35 subsonic anti-ship cruise missile. The range is not known, but is likely around 130–250 km.[2] A main difference to the Kh-35 missile is the KN-19's mobile launcher with four canisters.[3] The launcher was developed in North Korea.[4] The system is lacking over-the-horizon radar capability.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Kumsong-3 (KN-19)". Missile Threat. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
- ^ "Kumsong-3 – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance". Retrieved 2022-11-20.
- ^ Panda, Ankit. "North Korea's New KN19 Coastal Defense Cruise Missile: More Than Meets the Eye". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
- ^ Panda, Ankit (2020). Kim Jong Un and the bomb : survival and deterrence in North Korea. New York, NY. p. 318. ISBN 978-0-19-006036-7. OCLC 1121083967.
KN19-The coastal defense variant of the Kumsong-3/KNO1 featuring an indigenously designed integrated transporter-erector-launcher with all-terrain treads. The missiles feature a new multi-modal seeker and considerably improved maneuverability and guidance.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Bowers, Ian (2019). The modernisation of the Republic of Korea Navy : seapower, strategy and politics. Cham, Switzerland. pp. 34–35. ISBN 978-3-319-92291-1. OCLC 1048428673.
The KPN have also produced a coastal version of this weapon, the KNI9, which has several upgrades including the ability to perform multiple waypoint manoeuvres and more advanced terminal guidance sensors. The KPN is deploying the Kumsong-3 on its new vessels, and if they successfully integrate them they would represent a substantial step-up in capability. However, the KPN's weaknesses in sensors and networked capabilities will undermine the potential of these new systems. Without over the horizon radar, satellite systems or effective radar on networked aviation assets the KPN will struggle to find targets at the higher-end of the Kumsong-3's range.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)