Pulhwasal-3-31
| Pulhwasal-3-31 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Submarine-launched cruise missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2024–present |
| Used by | Korean People's Army |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Tactical nuclear weapons |
Operational range | 2,000 km (1,200 mi) |
Launch platform | Submarine |
The Pulhwasal-3-31 (Korean: 《불화살-3-31》형; lit. Fire Arrow Type 3-31) is a North Korean submarine-launched cruise missile.
Description
| Images of the Pulhwasal-3-31 | |
|---|---|
| Launch of the missile |
Based on images released by North Korea, Pulhwasal-3-31 appears to be a long-range, land-attack cruise missile for attacking fixed targets on the ground. It is similar to Russia's Kalibr or United States's Tomahawk.[1] It is possible that Pulhwasal-3-31 is a variant or an updated version of the Hwasal-1 and Hwasal-2 cruise missiles.[2]
According to North Korea, it is a "strategic" cruise missile.[3] As the missile's name contains number 31, it is highly likely that Pulhwasal-3-31 is able to carry the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead.[4] It may also have a version armed with a conventional warhead.[5]
It is capable of flying for more than two hours.[6] Its assumed range is 2,000 km (1,200 mi);[7] however, the reported flight times of the second launch, revealed to be between 7,421 and 7,445 seconds,[8] were consistent with a 1,500 km (930 mi) range.[5]
It is possible that Pulhwasal-3-31 is designed to have other basing modes along with submarine.[5]
The Pulhwasal-3-31 uses a complicated naming scheme, similar to Haeil-5-23. It is used to give an impression that North Korea has developed new weapons.[9]
List of tests
| Attempt | Date | Location | Number of missiles tested | Outcome | Additional notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 January 2024 | North Korea’s west coast | 1 (North Korea) "Several" (South Korea) |
Success | First test-fire of Pulhwasal-3-31. According to North Korea, it is "under development". | [10][11] |
| 2 | 28 January 2024 | Near Sinpo | 2 (North Korea) "Several" (South Korea) |
Success | These missiles flew for over 7,400 seconds. Kim Jong Un oversaw the test. | [3][12][13] |
See also
References
- ^ Lý Thùy (2 February 2024). "Tên lửa Pulhwasal-3-31 Triều Tiên vừa thử nghiệm có gì đặc biệt?" [What is special about the Pulhwasal-3-31 missile that North Korea just tested?]. Báo Tri thức và Cuộc sống (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 29 August 2025.
- ^ Kim Arin (25 January 2024). "North Korea claims cruise missile upgrade". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Test-fire of Submarine-launched Strategic Cruise Missile". Korean Central News Agency. 29 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ "North Korea says fired cruise missile with 'super-large warhead'". EFE. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ a b c Vann H. Van Diepen (1 May 2024). "North Korea Emphasizes Theater Strike Missiles in the First Third of 2024". 38 North. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
- ^ "North Korean nuclear weapons, 2024" (PDF). Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ Kim Ho-jun (29 January 2024). "북, 지상 이어 해상서 핵탑재 신형 순항미사일 발사능력 과시(종합)" [North Korea shows off new nuclear-capable cruise missile launch capability at sea following land]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ "Nhà lãnh đạo Triều Tiên Kim Jong-un thị sát vụ phóng thử tên lửa từ tàu ngầm" [North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects submarine-launched missile test launch]. Nhân Dân (in Vietnamese). 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
- ^ Yang, Ji-ho (25 January 2024). 불화살3-31, 해일5-23... 北의 무기 숫자 장난 [Pulhwasal-3-31, Haeil-5-23... North Korea's weapon number prank]. Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved 17 December 2025.
- ^ Zwirko, Colin (25 January 2024). "North Korea says it tested new cruise missile". NK News. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts First Test-fire of New-type Strategic Cruise Missile". Korean Central News Agency. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ "North Korea's Kim 'guided' submarine-launched cruise missile test: KCNA". Al Jazeera English. 29 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ Wright, George (29 January 2024). "North Korea fires cruise missiles off east coast, Seoul reports". BBC. Retrieved 18 January 2025.