Academy of Defence Sciences
| Established | 28 May 1964 |
|---|---|
| Formerly called | Second Academy of Natural Sciences Academy of National Defense Science (former English name) |
| Location | , |
The Academy of Defence Sciences (Korean: 국방과학원),[1] formerly called in English as Academy of National Defense Science and also formerly known as Second Academy of Natural Sciences (제2자연과학원), is a North Korean organization involved in the North Korean missile program, including the Hwasong-14.[2]
Organization
The academy is based in Pyongyang.[3] Kim Yong-hwan is the current president, as of May 2025.[4]
It was formerly headed by Colonel General Jang Chang-ha.[5][6] One former head was Choe Chun-sik (c. 2012).[5]
History
The organization was established in 1964 as the Agency for Defense Development under the Ministry of National Security.
In 1970, it changed to Second Academy of Natural Sciences and moved to the Second Economic Committee.
In the 2000s, it was moved to the Department of Military Industry of the Workers' Party of Korea.
In 2014, it was renamed to the Agency for Defense Development of Cruise Missiles.
Since 2021, it is referred to as the Academy of National Defense Science.[7] In May 2024, Kim Jong Un visited the academy in commemoration of its 60th anniversary.[8]
As of 2025, North Korean state media refers to the academy as Academy of Defence Sciences.[1][4]
Activities
Naval warfare
The Academy is also responsible for developing naval vessels and weapons, and has a Maritime Research Institute, headquartered at the Sinpo South Shipyard.[9][10]
The academy also operates the Nampo Ship Design Institute.[11]
Weapons development
According to information released by North Korean state media in September 2025, Academy of Defence Sciences has two institutes under its organization for weapons development, called Armoured Defensive Weapons Institute and Electronic Weapons Institute.[1]
Sanctions
In 2010, the academy was slapped with U.S. sanctions.[12]
In 2016, it has been sanctioned by the United States government, and subject to export controls in relations to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2270.[13][14]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Gives Field Guidance at Armoured Defensive Weapons Institute and Electronic Weapons Institute under Academy of Defence Sciences". Korean Central News Agency. 13 September 2025. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ "North Korea conducts public executions for theft, watching South Korea media: report". The Japan Times. Reuters. 19 July 2017.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reacts with scientists and technicians of the country's Academy of Defense Science after the test-launch of the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile Tuesday.
- ^ Lovelace, Douglas C., ed. (2017). Terrorism: Commentary on Security Documents. Oxford University Press. p. 365. ISBN 9780190654221.
- ^ a b "Joint Striking Drill of Long-range Artillery and Missile Systems of Sub-units of KPA on Eastern Front Conducted". Korean Central News Agency. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
[...] Kim Yong Hwan, president of the Academy of Defence Sciences.
- ^ a b Paton, Callum (11 July 2017). "North Korea Missile Program: Who Is the ICBM Expert Promoted and Hailed As Hero by Kim Jong Un After Successful Test?". Newsweek.
- ^ "Head of N.K. missile development agency promoted after ICBM test". Yonhap News Agency. 11 July 2017.
Jang Chang-ha, president of the Academy of National Defense Science, was seen sitting next to leader Kim Jong-un at a performance with his military rank being raised by one notch from lieutenant general, according to Yonhap News Agency's analysis on photos carried by state media.
- ^ "북한 "신형 장거리순항미사일 발사…1,500km 표적 명중"".
- ^ Jeong Tae Joo (1 April 2025). "N. Korean arms factories pivot to advanced weapons under Kim's new strategy". Daily NK. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ Johnson, Jesse (1 October 2016). "North Korea may be building new missile submarine: report". The Japan Times. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
- ^ Bermudez, Joseph S. (28 October 2014). "North Korea: Test Stand for Vertical Launch of Sea-Based Ballistic Missiles Spotted". 38 North. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
The Academy of National Defense Science's Maritime Research Institute, located in Sinpo, is responsible for research and development of maritime technology, naval vessels and submarines and naval related missiles.
- ^ Bermudez, Joseph S. (15 May 2014). "New North Korean Helicopter Frigates Spotted". 38 North.
Design of the vessel was likely the responsibility of the Academy of National Defense Science's Namp'o Ship Design Institute in cooperation with the Maritime Research Institute (a.k.a., Ship Research Institute), while the Second Economic Committee's 6th Machine Industry Bureau oversaw construction.
- ^ Johnson, Jesse (28 May 2017). "North Korean leader oversees test of 'new anti-aircraft weapon'". The Japan Times.
The test was organized by the Academy of National Defense Science.
- ^ "The United States Sanctions North Korean Government Officials and Organizations Tied to its Missile and Nuclear Programs". 2016. Archived from the original on 23 July 2017.
In addition to OFAC's designations, the State Department designated three entities and two individuals pursuant to E.O. 13382. The State Department also updated an alias of an entity that was previously designated pursuant to the same E.O. These designations include NADA; the Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry; the Academy of National Defense Science; Choe Chun Sik, the Director of the Second Academy of Natural Sciences, which is designated pursuant to E.O. 13382; and Kang Mun Kil, a representative of Namhung Trading Corporation, which is designated pursuant to E.O. 13382.
- ^ Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (March 2016). "Review of the End User List". Archived from the original on 23 July 2017.
Academy of National Defense Science (国防科学院) [...] This review was conducted with reference to the fact that UN Security Council Resolution 2270 additionally designated entities and individuals involved in programs related to North Korea's nuclear, other WMDs, and ballistic missile development which are to be subject to asset-freezing measures.