This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
The North Korean Military Construction Bureau's 111th regiment begins construction of an underground missile base in Okp'yŏng-nodongjagu, Munch'ŏn-kun, Kangwŏn Province. The base is scheduled for completion in six or seven years. [Note: Munch'ŏn-kun became a city, or "shi," in May 1991.]
—Testimony of Ko Yŏng Hwan, former North Korean Foreign Ministry official, before the US Senate, 21 October 1997.
Syria receives Scud-C missiles and missile-production equipment worth an estimated $250 million from North Korea. Iran has agreed to transship about $100 million worth of the missiles to Syria.
—Bill Gertz, "Iranian-Syria Deal Revealed as Scuds Near Gulf Ports," Washington Times 10 March 1992, p. A3.
North Korea's Ministry of the People's Armed Forces establishes a college or university specializing in rocket technology. "Soviet-trained scientists" are assigned to the institution to develop new missiles.
—Kyodo News Service, "N. Korea Said to Have Underground Missile Launchpads [sic]," Japan Economic Newswire, 24 August 1993, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
Kim Il Sung sends special envoys to meet former President Jimmy Carter. The envoys invite Carter to visit Pyongyang because the US government will not recognize or negotiate with Kim Il Sung. Carter continually asks the White House for approval to visit, but is denied until the nuclear crisis in June 1994. [Note: Jimmy Carter travels to Pyongyang in June 1994 during the US-North Korean nuclear crisis.]
—KBS-1 Television (Seoul), 10 August 2001, in "ROK's KBS-1 TV Interviews Former US President Carter on Korean Issues," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010811000003.
North Korea is believed to have completed the initial prototypes of the Nodong-1.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "Ballistic Ambitions Ascendant," Jane's Defence Weekly, 10 April 1993, pp. 20, 22.
Libya is allegedly financing a Syrian purchase of several dozen Scud-C missiles from North Korea.
—John Fricker, publisher, Milavnews, vol. 30, no. 353, March 1991, p. 23; Michael Evans, "Scud Deal Caution," The Times, 7 February 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Charles Fenyvesi, "Washington Whispers," U.S. News & World Report, vol. 110, no. 2, 21 January 1991, p. 16, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
The ship Al-Yarmouk, co-owned by Jordan and Syria, departs North Korea bound for Syria carrying 24 Scud-C missiles and 20 mobile launchers. The ship sails around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Suez Canal, in order to avoid inspection by Coalition Forces. The ship declares to Lloyds of London that its destination is Cyprus.
—Gary Milhollin and Gerard White, "Bombs from Beijing," Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, May 1991, p. 12; John Fricker, publisher, Milavnews, vol. 30, no. 355, May 1991, p. 23; Steven Emerson, "The Postwar Scud Boom," Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1991, p. A12; "Pukhan, Chungdong'e Scud Taeryangsuch'ul—Syria Wa 5 Ok Dollar Kyeyak," Joongang Ilbo, 12 July 1991, <http://www.joins.com>.
Small-scale production of the Nodong has begun.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 22.
Iran acquires Scud-C missile components from North Korea.
—Steven Emerson, "The Postwar Scud Boom," Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1991, p. A12; Lee Chae Hak, "Kkorimunŭn Pukhan Scud Such'ul/Shimsangch'anh'ŭn Taechungdong P'anmaesŏl," Joongang Ilbo, 13 July 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) announces that, "...from 4 February 1991 Iran's munitions industry will launch the production of its own long-range, powerful 'surface-to-surface' missiles [SSMs]." [Note: This production capability is probably a reference to the facilities at Isfahan, which assemble missiles from DPRK components.]
—Ed Blanche, "Iran Says It Will Start Missile Production," Associated Press, 29 January 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >; "Iran To Mass Produce Long-Range Missiles, Launch Second Submarine," Xinhua News Agency, 29 January 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >.
Iraqi deputy foreign minister Saadoun Hamadi flies to Pyongyang in an attempt to speed the delivery of Scud-B and Scud-C missiles. North Korea reneges on the December 1990 deal because Iraq is unable to pay in hard currency or oil.
—Steven Emerson, "The Postwar Scud Boom," Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1991, p. A12.
South Korean military officials reveal that North Korea has deployed 12 mobile missile launchers about 40-50km north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).
—Yonhap News Agency, 2 February 1991, in "Information Provided on DPRK Scud Missiles," JPRS-TND-91-003, 25 February 1991, pp. 6-7.
Japan's Jiji News Agency reports that according to a US intelligence source, two Iranian aircraft arrived in Pyongyang the previous week and that each aircraft was loaded with 50 Scud missiles. The source reportedly says that the missiles were transferred to Iraq. [Note: This report is not credible. It is not plausible that Iran would transfer missiles to Iraq at this time. Furthermore, 50 Scud missiles could not fit into one transport aircraft.]
—"Pukhan, Iran T'onghae Iraq E Scud 1 Baekki Panmae—Ilchijit'ongshin Podo," Joongang Ilbo, 16 February 1991, <http://www.joins.com>.
Syria contracts for the delivery of more than 150 Scud-C missiles from North Korea worth an estimated $500 million. According to Western intelligence officials, "Saudi Arabia gave Syria prior approval" for the missile purchase. The sale was supported by $2 billion that Saudi Arabia gave Syria for contributing coalition forces in the Gulf War.
—Steven Emerson, "The Postwar Scud Boom," Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1991, p. A12; Lee Ki Dong, "'Chungdong Sae Pulssi' Pukhan Scud Missile/Miji'ga Palk'hin Ch'unggyŏk'ŭi Such'ulshilt'ae," Taehan Maeil (Seoul Shinmun), 12 July 1991, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Lee Chae Hak, "Kkorimunŭn Pukhan Scud Such'ul/Shimsangch'anh'ŭn Taechungdong P'anmaesŏl," Joongang Ilbo, 13 July 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
North Korea signs a five-year contract with Iran for the supply of 20,000 barrels of oil per day.
—"A Lonely State of Defiance," Jane's Defence Weekly, 8 August 1992, pp. 26-27.
North Korea delivers more than two dozen Scud-Cs to Syria.
—Bill Gertz, "China, N. Korea Secretly Deliver Missiles to Mideast via Cyprus," Washington Times, 2 July 1991, p. A4.
The Al-Yarmouk docks in Latakia, Syria, laden with 24 North Korean Scud-C missiles and 20 launchers. The ship arrives the same day US Secretary of State James Baker arrives in Damascus to meet with Syrian President Haffez al-Assad for the first time. Syria has reportedly "contracted for the delivery of more than 150 North Korean Scud-C missiles at an estimated cost of $500 million. The money reportedly comes from $2 billion that Saudi Arabia had given Syria for supplying combat troops during the Gulf War. The missiles are capable of carrying chemical warheads. [Note: the Wall Street Journal report says there are 24 missiles, but is not clear about the number of launchers.]
—Bill Gertz, "Libya May Buy N. Korean Missiles," Washington Times, 4 June 1991, p. 4; Steven Emerson, "The Postwar Scud Boom," Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1991, p. A12; Adel Darwish, "N. Korea 'Selling Scuds'," The Independent, 6 April 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >; "Syria 'Signed for N Korean Scuds'," Flight International, 13 March 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >.
North Korea signs an arms agreement with Cuba that reportedly calls for the sale of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs; presumably SA-14s and SA-16s) and other anti-aircraft weapons.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 32.
Yonhap News Agency, quoting Komsomolskaya Pravda (Communist Youth's Truth), reports that North Korea approaches Anatoliy Rubtsov, a Russian solid-state physicist, at a seminar in Beijing. Rubtsov is paid by the North Korean embassy in Moscow to recruit Russian scientists for work in North Korea. He later obtains 200 blank passports and convinces 36 Russian engineers, many of them rocket specialists, to go to North Korea. However, the engineers are later detained at Moscow's Sheremetievo Airport in October 1992.
—Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 23 April 1994, in "Russian Scientists Assisting DPRK in Nuclear Program," JPRS-TND-94-011, 16 May 1994, pp. 51-52.
North Korea begins deliveries of an estimated 60 Hwasŏng-6 (Scud-C) missiles and 12 transporter erector launchers (TELs) to Syria via Iran. North Korea and Syria conclude an agreement for long-term deliveries that continue until at least 1995. There is also a report that North Korea has agreed to build new facilities in Iran to produce three types of Scuds.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 18; Chang Chun Ik, Pukhan Haek-Missile Chŏnjaeng (Seoul: Sŏmundang, May 1999), p. 277; "Ballistic Missile Threat Evolves," International Defense Review, vol. 33, no. 10, 1 October 2000, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >; Adel Darwish, "N. Korea 'Selling Scuds'," The Independent, 6 April 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >.
South Korean Defense Minister Lee Chong Ku says that South Korea is prepared to respond to North Korea in case it does not accept nuclear safeguards inspections. [Note: Lee's remarks are interpreted by some to mean that South Korea is considering a pre-emptive strike against North Korea's nuclear facilities at Yŏngbyŏn.]
—"Sabyŏng Pongmudanch'uk Kŏmt'o/Lee Kukpang/Pang'wibyŏngjedo Kaesŏndŭng P'oham," Hankook Ilbo, 13 April 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
US satellites observe the launch of a Scud-C missile from a mobile launcher near Qom in Iran. The missile flies 500 km before impacting south of Shahroud (Emamshahr) in the Salt Desert (Dasht-e Kavir). The missile was assembled in Iran from components provided by North Korea in a series of shipments tracked by Western intelligence agencies since January 1991. Iran has thus far purchased 170 Scud-C missiles, and is assembling them from "knock-down kits" at the Isfahan facility. [Note: This test may have been an Iranian test of the missile, a joint Iranian-North Korean test, or an early example of North Korea making use of the larger test areas in Iran, as was later planned for Musudan-ri in October or November of 1993. As for the 170 Scud-C missiles, it is unlikely that all 170 could have been delivered. According to production estimates, North Korea would not have been able to produce that many Scud-Cs by this time.]
—Bill Gertz, "U.S.:Iran Fired Ballistic Missile," Washington Times, 24 May 1991, p. A5; Steven Emerson, "The Postwar Scud Boom," Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1991, p. A12; Kenneth Timmerman, "Iran's Ballistic Missile Program," Mednews, 21 December 1992, p. 4-5; Lee Jŏng Hun, "FROGesŏ Taepodong Kkaji: Pukhan Missile Game," Shindonga, August 1999, p. 203.
According to Israeli Ministry of Defense Director-General David Ivry, Syria takes delivery of a shipment of Scud-C missiles from North Korea. The missiles were carried aboard a Yugoslavian freighter. The Jerusalem Report claims the number of Scud missiles is 36.
—Bill Gertz, "China, N. Korea Secretly Deliver Missiles to Mideast via Cyprus," Washington Times, 2 July 1991, p. A4; Leslie Susser, "How to Control the Arms Race and Stay on Top," The Jerusalem Report, 13 June 1991, p. 27, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >.
Mid-level North Korean diplomat Ko Yŏng Hwan defects to South Korea and reports that North Korea has "vast underground plants" for the manufacture of missiles and the testing of nuclear weapons.
—Michael Breen, "N. Korea Goes Underground with Nuclear Plants," Washington Times, 25 October 1991, p. A11.
According to US administration officials, North Korean military officials visit Libya to negotiate the sale of a new 1,000km-range intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM; Nodong-1) at an estimated unit cost of $7 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Libya is to finance development of the system in exchange for production models and related technology. The missile is not expected to be ready for export until 1994.
—Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 3 June 1991, in "DPRK Reportedly to Build New Scud Missile," JPRS-TND-91-009, 24 June 1991, pp. 7-8; Bill Gertz, "Libya May Buy N. Korean Missiles," Washington Times, 4 June 1991, p. 4; "Pukhan, Libya'wa Missile P'anmaehyŏpsang—Sajŏnggŏri 1KM Chunggŏri," Joongang Ilbo, 5 June 1991, <http://www.joins.com>.
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens tells visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Nakayama that Israel is concerned about North Korean missile sales to Syria and other countries. Nakayama says that Japan will ask North Korea to cease exporting Scud missiles to these countries.
—Kyodo (Tokyo), 31 May 1991, in "Japanese Foreign Minister Concludes Visit: Reviews DPRK Missile Sales," FBIS-NES-91-106, 3 June 1991, p. 31; "'Pukhan Mugisuch'ul Uryŏ'/Israel Kukpangjanggwan," Joongang Ilbo, 2 June 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
A senior Israeli military official tells reporters that Syria is spending between $200 and $400 million to acquire a brigade of Scud-C missile launchers from North Korea by 1992, and is also interested in procuring "an indigenous missile production capability." [Note: This is probably just a confirmation of the March 1991 deal. Also, while the source only indicates launchers as part of the sale, given the amount of money involved, it is likely that missiles are included as well. A Soviet-style brigade would consist of 12 to 18 launchers.]
—R. Jeffrey Smith, "Israel to Get F-15s, Aid for Missile Program," Washington Post, 31 May 1991, pp. A12, A26.
The North Korean ship Mupo departs Namp'o bound for Syria allegedly carrying eight launchers and an additional missile shipment as part of the Syrian order for 150 Scud-C missiles; the first 24 were delivered in March 1991.
—Bill Gertz, "Ship with Scud Cargo for Syria Alters Course," Washington Times, 9 November 1991, p. A6; Bill Gertz, "N. Korean Missiles Likely on 2nd Ship," Washington Times, 10 December 1991, p. A6; Bill Gertz, "Iran-Syria Deal Revealed as Scuds Near Gulf Ports," Washington Times, 10 March 1992, p. A3.
According to Bush administration officials, a large shipment of North Korean Scud-C missiles arrives in Cyprus and is transferred to smaller vessels for transshipment to Syria.
—Bill Gertz, "China, N. Korea Secretly Deliver Missiles to Mideast Via Cyprus," Washington Times, 2 July 1991, p. A4.
US intelligence agencies monitor up to 10 Soviet-made Scud-C missiles being delivered to North Korea by rail. US officials believe this may be an attempt to replenish stocks depleted by sales to Syria.
—Bill Gertz, "China, N. Korea Secretly Deliver Missiles to Mideast Via Cyprus," Washington Times, 2 July 1991, p. A4.
According to a Kyodo report, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens says during a trip to the United States that North Korea has begun to ship Scud missiles, launchers, and production technology to Syria. On 26 June, Arens says that the shipment began 2-3 weeks before and that another shipment will soon follow.
—"Pukhan, Syria E Scud Missile Kot 2 Ch'agonggŭp," Joongang Ilbo, 27 June 1991, <http://www.joins.com>.
A South Korean military source says North Korea and Libya have concluded a contract on the development of a "new model Scud missile" that will have a range of about 1,000km. The terms of the contract reportedly stipulate that Libya will provide financing for the missile's development, and if successful, North Korea will export missiles to Libya and provide technical assistance for its manufacture at a later date. [Note: This is the so-called "Nodong" missile.]
—"Pukhan, Sajŏng 1 Chŏn Kilometer Missile Kaebal Ch'aksu—Libya Sŏ Chakŭm Chegong," Joongang Ilbo, 3 June 1991, <http://www.joins.com/>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 3 June 1991, in "DPRK Reportedly to Build New Scud Missile," JPRS-TND-91-009, 24 June 1991, pp. 7-8; "Pukhan, Sajŏng Ch'ŏn km Missile Kaebal Ch'aksu/Scud Shinhyŏng," Chosun Ilbo, 3 June 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
A South Korean military intelligence source says that North Korea is developing its Nodong-1 ballistic missile, and that North Korea has probably exported about 200 Scud missiles to date.
—"Pukhan, Yŏngbyŏnsŏ Kop'okpalshilhŏm/Kunchŏngbodangguk/Ch'oegŭn Haekshilhŏm Chŏndan'gyech'uchŏng Hŭnjŏk," Hankook Ilbo, 27 June 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
The BBC investigative television news program "Panorama" reports that Arab-British Dynamics, a British Aerospace and Arab Organization for Industrialization joint venture, is cooperating with North Korea in Egypt to develop and manufacture an extended-range version of the Scud-B, or Scud-C. The report also cites unidentified "intelligence sources" as saying that the program is nearing the production stage. According to the Wall Street Journal, the plant will begin producing missiles in 8 to 12 weeks.
—Alan Cowell, "Egypt's Arms Control Plan for Region," New York Times, 5 July 1991, p .A5; Steven Emerson, "The Postwar Scud Boom," Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1991, p. A12.
According to the head of South Korea's Agency for National Security Planning, Sŏ Dong Kwŏn, North Korea successfully test-fires a mobile Scud-C (Hwasŏng-6) missile, with a range of 500km, from a Korean Peoples' Army (KPA) base in Kangwŏn Province on the east coast of North Korea. The missile reportedly strikes a target in the Sea of Japan. The mobile launch equipment consisted of a launcher, a transport vehicle, and a "lifting device" (crane). Sŏ says the transporter is capable of traveling at 70km per hour. Furthermore, Sŏ says that it is believed that North Korea is capable of producing its own mobile launcher. He also reveals that North Korea has stationed 36 Scud-C missiles with its regiment at Sariwŏn.
—Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 4 October 1991, in "North Said To Develop Scud Mobile Launcher," FBIS-EAS-91-193, 4 October 1991, p. 19; "N. Korea Test Fires 'Scud C'," Jane's Defence Weekly, vol. 16, no. 15, 12 October 1991, p. 651; John Fricker, publisher, Milavnews, vol. 30, no. 360, October 1991, p. 17; Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 17; "Pukhan Idong Scud Missile Shihŏmsŏnggong—Sŏ An'gibujang Kukkambogo," Joongang Ilbo, 4 October 1991, <http://www.joins.com/ >; "Pukhan, Idong Scud Palsa Sŏnggong/Sŏ An'gibujang," Taehan Maeil (Seoul Shinmun), 5 October 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >.
According to Seoul Shinmun (Taehan Maeil), North Korea conducts a flight test of medium-range ballistic missile at Yinchuan in China. Citing a "South Korean military source," the missile is said to have a range of 800km. North Korea reportedly produced the missile with Chinese assistance. The military source says that North Korea has sent 90 military officials and weapons specialists to Yinchuan since 1988 to learn "nuclear testing technology" and "missile flight testing technology."
—"Pukhan, Chungguksŏ Tat'andu Missile Shilhŏm/Sajŏng 8 Baek km Chunggŏriyong," Seoul Shinmun (Taehan Maeil), p. 1, 7 December 1991, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
The Mupo departs North Korea for the Middle East with $100 million worth of Scud-C missiles. The ship is later forced to have engine repairs in Singapore and Sri Lanka.
—Charles Fenyvesi, "Washington Whispers," U.S. News & World Report, vol. 111, no. 20, 11 November 1991, p. 30, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ >.
According to a report from Japan's Sankei Shimbun, Israel's ambassador to Japan, Nahum Eshkol, says that the North Korean missiles recently sold to Syria have a range of 900km. According to Eshkol, the North Koreans have not reduced the size of the warhead of a Scud to extend the range as Iraq did, but instead have maintained the size of the warhead. [Note: This is most likely a reference to the Nodong.]
—"Pukhan, Sajŏng 9 Baek KM Missile Kaebalsŏl—Ilbon Kkaji Sajŏnggwŏnnae," Joongang Ilbo, 3 July 1991, <http://www.joins.com>.
According to Iranian exile sources, an Iranian scientific and technical delegation travels to China and North Korea to negotiate an increase in the transfer of nuclear and ballistic missile technologies.
—Kenneth R. Timmerman, "Unmask Saddam's Nuclear Lies," Wall Street Journal, 24 July 1991, p. A10.
The Joongang Ilbo reports that the Scud-C missiles sold by North Korea to Syria earlier this year are "different from other Scud-C missiles." The report says the Scud-C missiles sold to Syria have a length of 15.1m, a diameter of 1.3m, a weight of 10 tons, and a range of 600km. [Note: The length and diameter dimensions are similar to those of the Nodong.]
—Lee Chae Hak, "Kkorimunŭn Pukhan Scud Such'ul/Shimsangch'anh'ŭn Taechungdong P'anmaesŏl," Joongang Ilbo, 13 July 1991, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
South Korea's Ministry of Defense reports to the National Assembly that North Korea has formed its first surface-to-surface missile (SSM) brigade presumably armed with indigenously produced Scud-C missiles. The ministry also indicates that North Korea has produced more than 1,000 tons of chemical warheads for its missiles. [Note: It is quite possible that North Korea produced enough Scud-Cs to both outfit the SSM brigade and fill the Syrian order of January 1991. Depending on when in 1991 full-scale Scud-C production began, North Korea may have been able to outfit the brigade before filling the Syrian order.]
—Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 15 July 1991, in "North Said To Possess 1,000 Tons of Warheads," FBIS-EAS-91-135, 15 July 1991, p. 23; John Fricker, publisher, Milavnews, vol. 30, no. 358, August 1991, pp. 17-18.
South Korean Defense Minister Lee Chong Ku tells the National Assembly that North Korea has reorganized its Scud regiment into a brigade, and that North Korea is now focusing on the development of its 1,000km-range Nodong-1 ballistic missile. He also says that North Korea is producing chemical weapons and that Defense Ministry analysis indicates Pyongyang has over 1,000 tons of chemical weapons.
—"Wŏlgyesuhoedŭng Insa Amnyŏk/Chilŭi/Pukhan Scud Pudae Chŭnggang/Pogo," Joongang Ilbo, 16 July 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "'Hanbo't'ŭkhye' Susa Yong'ŭi'nŭn/Kukhoesangwi/Pukhan Scud Pudae Chŭngp'yŏn," Hankook Ilbo, 17 July 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
US Undersecretary of State Reginald Bartholomew declares in testimony before the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Arms Control and the Subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East that "North Korea has sold Scud missiles to Syria this year" and that "North Korea is emerging more and more as a major supplier of missiles of this type around the world."
—Federation of American Scientists, Arms Sales Monitor, July 1991, p. 2, <http://www.fas.org>.
Syria conducts flight tests of two Hwasŏng-6 missiles.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 18.
Ko Yŏng Hwan, a mid-level North Korean diplomat and former interpreter for Kim Il Sung who defected in May 1991, identifies underground missile manufacturing plants. One is the January 18th Machine Plant in Kag'am-ri, Kaech'ŏn-kun, South Pyŏngan Province. Another is at Man'gyŏngdae, where ground-launched anti-ship missiles are produced.
—Seoul Shinmun (Seoul), 9 October 1991, p. 5, in "Defector on North's Nuclear Development," JPRS-TND-91-017, 7 November 1991, pp. 8-9; Kim In Ch'ŏl, "Chŏn Kim Il Sŏng T'ong'yŏkkwan'gyŏm Kowioegyogwan/Ko Yŏng Hwan ŭn Malhanda: 6," Taehan Maeil, 9 October 1991, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Michael Breen, "N. Korea Goes Underground with Nuclear Plants," Washington Times, 25 October 1991, p. A11.
A Russian publication quotes "an unidentified Soviet military specialist who had worked for a long time in North Korea" as saying, "having encountered great difficulties [in their efforts to build an atomic bomb], the North Koreans resolved to primarily emphasize their missile program."
—A. Platkovskiy, Komsomolskaya Pravda (Moscow), 24 August 1991, p. 5, in "North Korean Nuclear Program Viewed," JPRS-TND-91-014, 12 September 1991, pp. 24-25.
A high-ranking intelligence official in South Korea's Ministry of Defense states that North Korea is expanding its improved Scud missile regiment into a brigade, and is now developing and testing the Nodong-1 missile. The brigade is reportedly located near Sariwon, 50km from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), in the IV Corps area. The official also says that North Korea has the capability to produce around 4,500 tons of chemical agents each year.
—"Pukhan 'Scud Missile Yŏdan' Ch'angsŏl/Kukpangbu Wisŏngjaryobunsŏk Palghyŏ," Donga Ilbo, 25 August 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Donga Ilbo, 25 August 1991, p. 2, in "North Reportedly Expands Scud Unit," FBIS-EAS-91-16526, August 1991, pp. 32-33; Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "Ballistic Ambitions Ascendant," Jane's Defence Weekly, 10 April 1993, pp. 20-22.
During a lecture at the Korea National Defense University, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Chong Ku says that North Korea is developing the 1,000km-range Nodong-1 ballistic missile. Minister Lee also says that North Korea's Scud regiment has been reorganized into a brigade, and that North Korea has forward-deployed 36 Scud missiles.
—"Pukhan Mig21 95Nyŏn Saengsan/Lee Chong Ku Kukpang Palkhyŏ," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 30 August 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Pukhan, Mig21ki Tokchasaengsan/95Nyŏnbut'ŏ," Chosun Ilbo, 30 August 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
North Korean Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kim Yong Nam denies allegations that North Korea has sold missiles to Syria commenting that, "...the DPRK is not in a position to sell missiles, simply because we have no surplus in armaments to sell to the Middle East."
—Mushahid Hussain, "The JDW Interview," Jane's Defence Weekly, 14 September 1991, p. 492.
Kyodo News Service, quoting "international military sources," reports that North Korea could develop the Nodong-1 by the middle of 1992. According to this report, the new missile is estimated to have a range of 900km.
—"Pukhan, Sae Missile Kaebalchunug/Naenyŏnkkaji/9Paek km ... Il Taebubun Sajŏnggwŏn," Hankook Ilbo, 21 September 1991, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Pukhan Shinhyŏng Missile Kaebalbakch'a/sajŏng 9Paek km 'Nodong 1 Ho' ... Naenyŏnwallyo Chŏnmang," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 21 September 1991, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Pukhan Sae Missile Kaebal/Chidaeji SSM Ilbonkkaji Sajŏnggwŏn," Kukmin Ilbo, 23 September 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Pu Chi Yŏng, "Puk'e Shinhyŏng Chidaeji Missile/Sajŏnggŏri 9 Paek km," Chosun Ilbo, 24 September 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
The Egyptian government-controlled newspaper Al-Ahram reports that North Korea has sold 300 Scud missiles to Iran and 20 Scud missiles to Syria, and that Libya has signed a contract for the purchase of an unspecified number of missiles. [Note: There is also a report claiming that the 20 Scud missiles were actually delivered to Iran, but this is probably the same delivery.]
—KBS-1 Radio Network (Seoul), 21 September 1991, in JPRS-TND-91-016, 29 October 1991, p. 19; "Pukhan, Iran E Scud Missile 1 Baekki Konggŭp—Egypt Shinmun," Joongang Ilbo, 23 September 1991, <http://www.joins.com>.
According to Israeli intelligence, during a visit by Syrian Chief of Staff General Hikmat Shihabi to Tehran, Syria and Iran finalize an agreement for increased military cooperation, which may be part of Syria's ongoing efforts to acquire North Korean missile technology. The agreement may result in the Iranian financing of the construction of a surface-to-surface missile (SSM) joint development and production center in Syria.
—"Syria and Iran Pool SRBM Resources," Flight International, 16-22 October 1991, p. 15.
According to Yossef Bodansky and Vaughn S. Forrest, who cite Seoul Shinmun (Taehan Maeil), a joint Chinese-North Korean medium-range ballistic missile prototype is tested at Yinchuan in China. However, the Seoul Shinmun actually reports that the test took place in July 1991.
—Seoul Shinmun, 7 December 1991, cited in Yossef Bodansky and Vaughn S. Forrest, "Task Force on Terrorism & Unconventional Warfare," in House Republican Research Committee, Executive Summary: North Korean Weapons of Mass Destruction, 11 March 1992, p. 7; "Pukhan, Chungguksŏ Tat'andu Missile Shilhŏm/Sajŏng 8 Baek km Chunggŏriyong," Seoul Shinmun (Taehan Maeil), p. 1, 7 December 1991, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
Ha'aretz, citing "unidentified but reliable" American sources, reports that North Korea is going to "set-up" a Scud-C production facility in Syria for joint production. Iran is to finance the facility's construction.
—"Iran, Syria Reportedly Will Build Missiles Together," Associated Press, 1 October 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Syrian Commander, in Iran, Denounces U.S.-Kuwait Pact," Associated Press, 1 October 1991, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
North Korean President Kim Il Sung visits Beijing to request China's technical assistance in order to accelerate North Korea's nuclear weapons development program. Chang Chun Ik, a retired lieutenant general and former National Assembly member, claims that Kim requested assistance for the missile program, which is more likely.
—Chang Chun Ik, Pukhan Haek-Missile Chŏnjaeng (Seoul: Sŏmundang, May 1999), pp. 282-283; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 29 October 1991, cited in Yossef Bodansky and Vaughn S. Forrest, "Task Force on Terrorism & Unconventional Warfare," in House Republican Research Committee, Executive Summary: North Korean Weapons of Mass Destruction, 11 March 1992, p. 7.
South Korean Ministry of Defense considers purchasing four Patriot anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) batteries following North Korea's deployment of 36 Scud-C ship-to-ship missiles within 50km of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). [Note: The deployment is most probably a reference to the surface-to-surface missile (SSM) brigade mentioned in entries from August 1991 and possibly to the launch sites mentioned in the entry for June 1990.]
—John Fricker, publisher, Milavnews, vol. 30, no. 360, October 1991, p. 17.
In testimony before the South Korean National Assembly, Sŏ Dong Kwŏn, director of the National Security Planning Agency, says that North Korea is in the process of deploying 36 Scud-C missiles in the Sariwŏn area. Sŏ also says that since 1989, North Korea has been exporting these missiles to the Middle East and is now developing a ballistic missile with a range of 1,000km.
—"Pukhan, Idong Scud Palsa Sŏnggong/Sŏ An'gibujang," Taehan Maeil (Seoul Shinmun), 5 October 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
According to The Times of London, Western intelligence sources have indicated that North Korea has exported 20 Scud missiles to Iran, some of which have already arrived and are fully assembled. It reports that missiles bound for Syria will arrive in the near future. According to the report, analysts say that North Korea is exporting the missiles to help alleviate its foreign exchange shortage.
—KBS-1 Television Network, 13 October 1991, in "DPRK Scuds Said To Arrive in Iran," FBIS-EAS-91-199, 15 October 1991, pp. 26-27.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense publishes its Defense White Paper 1991-1992. The report states that North Korea has the ability to produce approximately 100 Scud-type ship-to-ship missiles annually and has deployed additional Scuds and their related radar sites. The ministry also says that North Korea has been "developing and experimenting" with the new Nodong-1 ballistic missile.
—Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea, Defense White Paper 1991-92 (Seoul: Ministry of National Defense, 1991), p. 98; John Fricker, publisher, Milavnews, vol. 30, no. 361, November 1991, pp. 13-14.
According to 32-year-old Ko Ch'ŏng Song, who defected from North Korea in June 1993, an explosion takes place at the Kanggye No. 26 General Plant at about 9:30 PM. According to Ko, the plant is underground, in tunnels at the base of a mountain, and the missile assembly area is called the "Number 11 Workplace" (Chae 11 Ho Chikchang). Ko says explosions continue until about 10:00 AM the next morning, destroying several homes in the area. The official death toll is said to be 127, and that the total number of casualties is about 200, including nearby citizens. The plant, which Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) quotes KBS-1 as saying is the largest of its kind in North Korea, produced missiles, artillery shells, depth charges, mines, and torpedoes. The factory produced surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) with a range of 200km, ship-to-ship missiles, and air-to-surface missiles (ASMs). The missiles are reportedly called Hwasŏng-1, Hwasŏng-2, and Hwasŏng-3, but the designations for each missile are not exactly clear. Ko says there are about 20,000 workers employed at the site, and he claims to have been about 2km from the explosion.
—KSB-1 Radio Network (Seoul), 19 March 1994, in "Japanese Paper Reports 1991 Explosion at Missile Plant," JPRS-TND-94-007, 23 March 1994, pp. 2-3; "Puk Nodongja 2 Baeg'yŏ'myŏng Ch'ambyŏn/Chiha Missile Kongjang P'okpal/91 Nyŏn 11 Wŏl 30 Il," Chosun Ilbo, 20 March 1994, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Pukhan Kanggye Chiha Missile Kongjang/91 Nyŏn Taepokpal 2 Baeg'yŏ'myŏng Sa'mang/Ilchi Podo," Kukmin Ilbo, 19 March 1994, p. 19, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Kanggye Missile Kongjang 91 Nyŏn Taepokpal Sago/Ilchi '2 Baeg'myŏng Sa'mang'," Donga Ilbo, 20 March 1994, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Pukhan 91 Nyŏn Missile Kongjang P'okpal Ch'amsa/Changnyŏn Kwisun Ko Ch'ŏng Song Ssi Palghyŏ," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 20 March 1994, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Puk Missile Kongjang 91 Nyŏn Taepokpal/Nodongja 2 Baeg'yŏ'myŏng Sa'mang," Segye Ilbo, 20 March 1994, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
US government officials announce that the North Korean ship Mupo has returned to the port of Namp'o, reportedly without delivering its cargo of missiles to Syria. The Mupo followed a circuitous route similar to that of the Al-Yarmouk out of fear of Israeli interception. However, there is some speculation that the Mupo's cargo was transferred to another freighter at Gibraltar to complete its voyage to Tartus, Syria.
—Bill Gertz, "Ship with Scud Cargo for Syria Alters Course," Washington Times, 9 November 1991, p. A6; Bill Gertz, "North Korean Missiles Likely on 2nd Ship," Washington Times, 10 December 1991, p. A6.
German intelligence service head Konrad Porzner reveals in an interview that North Korea not only sells Scud missiles to other countries, but also assists in extending the range of these missiles and establishing production facilities for them.
—Heinz Schulte, "Nonproliferation Warning from Intelligence Head," Jane's Defence Weekly, 14 December 1991, p. 1134; "Pukhan Missile Kisulgaebale Ap'chang—Tŏgiltaeoejŏngbobŏnbujang Palkhyŏ," Joongang Ilbo, 3 December 1991, <http://www.joins.com>.
A "South Korean military source" claims there are 230 North Korean military personnel and weapons specialists at China's Dalian naval base to acquire technology for ship-to-ship missiles, ballistic missiles, and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). [Note: If this report is true, the North Korean engineers may be attending the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The institute studies rocket propellant combustion and laser devices.]
—"Pukhan, Chungguksŏ Tat'andu Missile Shilhŏm/Sajŏng 8 Baek km Chunggŏriyong," Seoul Shinmun (Taehan Maeil), p. 1, 7 December 1991, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>. Pakistani officials are seen in North Korea examining a prototype model of the Nodong-1. [Note: This report is unsubstantiated.]
—Bill Gertz, "Iran-Bound Mystery Freighter Carried Parts for Missiles," Washington Times, 16 July 1992, p. A3.
