In a significant development, the United States has reportedly assigned the designation “KN-35” to North Korea’s latest close-range ballistic missile (CRBM), marking the first new classification in this category since the emergence of the KN-23, KN-24, and KN-25 series. This move, confirmed by South Korean military sources, underscores the evolving nature of North Korea’s missile capabilities and the growing concerns among regional and global powers.
According to reports in South Korean media, the U.S. shared the KN-35 designation with Seoul following a series of test launches beginning in April 2022. The new missile bears a strong resemblance to South Korea’s Korea Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile (KTSSM) and is often referred to as the “North Korean KTSSM.” Pyongyang is believed to have conducted at least five test launches of the system, most recently in March 2025.
The KN-35’s design suggests a focus on precision and tactical flexibility. Its resemblance to the KTSSM indicates that North Korea may be aiming to develop a missile system capable of striking specific targets with high accuracy, potentially including military installations and infrastructure in South Korea.
While detailed specifications of the KN-35 remain classified, analysts believe that the missile is designed for low-altitude flight, traveling under 30 kilometers, and has a range of approximately 150 kilometers. This flight profile complicates interception efforts, as traditional missile defense systems like the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot systems may struggle to detect and engage such low-flying targets effectively.
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The missile’s mobility is another critical factor. Each mobile launch vehicle is believed to carry four missile tubes, raising concerns among U.S. and South Korean officials about the potential volume of a sudden saturation attack. The ability to launch multiple missiles simultaneously from a single platform increases the threat level and challenges existing defense mechanisms.
The KN-35, along with other newly designated missiles such as the enlarged version of the KN-23 (now reportedly called KN-30) and a mini submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) labeled KN-33, is believed to be capable of carrying North Korea’s tactical nuclear warhead, the Hwasan-31. This integration of tactical nuclear capabilities into various missile platforms signifies a strategic shift in North Korea’s military doctrine, emphasizing the potential use of nuclear weapons in battlefield scenarios.
The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons increases the risk of escalation during conflicts, as the threshold for nuclear weapon use becomes lower. This development necessitates a reevaluation of deterrence strategies and defense postures by the United States and its allies in the region.
In August 2024, North Korean state media reported that 250 mobile launch vehicles for the new tactical missile were handed over to front-line military units during a public ceremony in Pyongyang. Satellite imagery and internal assessments suggest the deployment is ongoing and could support hundreds of launch-ready systems. The scale of this deployment indicates a significant investment in enhancing North Korea’s tactical missile capabilities and suggests a high level of operational readiness.
The widespread distribution of these mobile launchers across various military units enhances North Korea’s ability to conduct coordinated attacks and complicates efforts to neutralize these assets preemptively. The mobility of these systems also allows for rapid repositioning, making them harder to track and target.
The introduction of the KN-35 and its integration with tactical nuclear capabilities have profound implications for regional security dynamics. The missile’s low-altitude flight profile and mobility challenge existing missile defense systems, potentially rendering them less effective. This development could prompt South Korea and Japan to invest in advanced detection and interception technologies, as well as reconsider their strategic defense frameworks.
Furthermore, the potential for saturation attacks using multiple KN-35 missiles increases the risk of overwhelming defense systems, leading to significant damage and casualties. This threat may influence the military planning and readiness levels of the United States and its allies in the region.
The United States and South Korea have yet to publicly acknowledge the KN-35 by name in official defense white papers, instead referring to these weapons by type or origin. However, U.S. officials continue to use the KN system for internal classification and allied coordination. This approach reflects the sensitive nature of intelligence sharing and the complexities of diplomatic engagement with North Korea.
The international community faces a challenging environment in addressing North Korea’s missile developments. Efforts to resume diplomatic talks and negotiations on denuclearization have stalled, and the continued advancement of North Korea’s missile capabilities complicates these efforts further. A coordinated and multifaceted approach, combining diplomatic, economic, and military strategies, may be necessary to address the evolving threat landscape.
The designation of the KN-35 marks a significant milestone in North Korea’s missile development program, reflecting advancements in tactical missile capabilities and the integration of nuclear warheads into battlefield scenarios. The missile’s low-altitude flight profile, mobility, and potential for saturation attacks pose substantial challenges to existing defense systems and regional security. As North Korea continues to enhance its missile arsenal, the United States and its allies must adapt their defense strategies and diplomatic efforts to address the growing threat and maintain stability in the region.
