[USFK Forums] N. Korea focuses on creation of small range missiles - US expert

[C. Y. Lee]

Uploaded by C. Y. Lee on Saturday, March 11, 2006

North Korea focuses on creation of small range missiles - US expert

10.03.2006, 13.55

TOKYO, March 10 (Itar-Tass) - North Korea is giving special attention to the creation of small range missiles and its efforts to develop modifications of a greater range are less noticeable at present than in 1990, Commander of the US Forces in Korea (USFK) General Burwell Bell said at the armed forces committee of the House of Representatives of the US Congress on Thursday.

Nevertheless, he said, Pyongyang continues a programme for the creation of a three-stage ballistic missile Taepo Dong-3 that will be capable of hitting targets throughout the US territory. This missile may be placed on combat duty in the next 10 years.

This week North Korea has tested in its territory two small range ballistic missiles. They have greater precision than the previous samples and are equipped with solid fuel engines for greater mobility and combat readiness. In the view of the USFK commander, the new missiles signify a big leap forward in comparison with other models tested in North Korea.



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