A Comprehensive Set of Military Options for Countering North Korea's Growing Missile Threat

Publication Date: November 2005

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Baker Spring

Research Area: Military and defense

Keywords: Missile defense; military; weapons

Type: Brief

Coverage: Korea (North)

Abstract:

Starting on the Fourth of July, North Korea launched a salvo of seven short-, medium- and long-range missiles. Despite the failure of the single long-range missile, the Taepo Dong-2, the launches confirmed that North Korea is seeking to advance its missile arsenal in order to threaten both the United States and its allies in Asia. The short- and medium-range missiles, the Scud and No Dong respectively, all flew in the direction of Japan, so it seems that North Korea is focused on achieving a military capability to threaten Japan in particular.