The Hwasong-6 (Korean: 《화성-6》형; lit. 'Mars Type 6') is a North Korean tactical ballistic missile. It is derived from the Hwasong-5, itself a derivative of the Soviet R-17 Elbrus. It carries the NATO reporting name Scud.
== History == Work on an extended-range version of the Hwasong-5 began in North Korea around 1984, and with only relatively minor modifications, a new type was produced from 1989, designated Hwasong-6 ("Scud Mod. C" or "Scud-C"). It was first tested in June 1990, and entered full-scale production the same year, or in 1991. It is likely out of production. The North Koreans would later use their acquired know-how to produce domestic copies of the Scud-B to create a larger missile, the Hwasong-7. To increase range over its predecessor, the Hwasong-6 payload has been decreased to 770 kg (1,700 lb) and the length of the rocket body extended to increase the propellant by 25%; accuracy is 700–1,000 m (2,300–3,300 ft) circular error probability (CEP). Such range is sufficient to strike targets as far away as western Japan. Its dimensions are identical to the original Hwasong-5. Due to difficulties in procuring MAZ-543 TELs, mobile launchers were produced in North Korea. By 1999, North Korea was estimated to have produced 600 to 1,000 Hwasong-6 missiles, of which 25 had been launched in tests, 300 to 500 had been exported, and 300 to 600 were in service with the Korean People's Army. The Hwasong-6 is armed with a high-explosive (HE) fragmentation or cluster warhead, but is believed to be capable of carrying a nuclear, chemical, or biological warhead. Before the 2015 Houthi takeover in Yemen, the country didn't have a domestic missile program, and had only a small stockpile of Soviet-made Scud-B and North Korean Hwasong-6 missiles bought in the 1980s and 1990s. These were used against the pro-Hadi forces in the summer of that year. Since then, the Houthis have used domestically produced ballistic missiles with Iranian assistance.
Variants
=== Iran === Shahab-2
=== North Korea === KN-18
=== Yemen === Burkan-2
== Export == The Hwasong-6 was exported to Iran, where it is designated as the Shahab-2, to Syria, where it is manufactured under licence with Chinese assistance and to Yemen. Myanmar also imported Hwasong-6 ballistic missiles in 2009. About 25 Hwasong-6 ballistic missiles were purchased by Vietnam from North Korea in 1997. In 1995, Libya purchased 5 Hwasong-6 missiles from North Korea, however they were never tested or deployed, and planned local production was cancelled in 2003 with the disarmament of Libya.
Operators
=== Current === Egypt − Reportedly purchased in 1996, unconfirmed Iran − Produced locally as the Shahab-2. Status uncertain Myanmar − Reported North Korea − 30+ Hwasong 5/6 launchers as of 2024 Syria − Shahab-2 Vietnam − reportedly purchased in 1998
=== Non-state === Hezbollah − Shahab-2 (reported)
=== Former === Libya Yemen − Pre-war stocks depleted during the Yemeni civil war (2014–present). Most were converted into Burkan missiles by the Houthis
See also
References
== Bibliography == Center for Energy and Security Studies; The International Institute for Strategic Studies (14 July 2021). DPRK Strategic Capabilities and Security on the Korean Peninsula: Looking Ahead (PDF). International Institute for Strategic Studies (12 February 2024). "Chapter Five: Asia". The Military Balance. 124 (1). Taylor & Francis: 218–327. doi:10.1080/04597222.2024.2298593. ISSN 0459-7222. Retrieved 20 November 2024. International Institute for Strategic Studies (12 February 2024a). "Chapter Six: Middle East and North Africa". The Military Balance. 124 (1). Taylor & Francis: 328–395. doi:10.1080/04597222.2024.2298594. ISSN 0459-7222. Retrieved 20 November 2024. Kang, Jungmin (2013). Assessment of the Nuclear Programs of Iran and North Korea. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-94-007-6019-6. Samaan, Jean-Loup (2023). New Military Strategies in the Gulf: The Mirage of Autonomy in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7556-5073-6. Williams, Ian; Shaikh, Shaan (2020). "Houthi Missile Sources". The Missile War in Yemen. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): 15–19. Retrieved 20 November 2024. Williams, Ian; Shaikh, Shaan (2020a). "Appendix: The Houthi Missile Arsenal". The Missile War in Yemen. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): 34–52. Retrieved 20 November 2024. Zaloga, Steven J. (2013). Scud Ballistic Missile and Launch Systems 1955–2005. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4728-0306-1.