N. Korea unveils new 12-axle transporter erector launcher
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a newly-unveiled transporter erector launcher during his visit to a defense industrial enterprise in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency, Sunday. Yonhap
North Korea has unveiled a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL) for the first time this week, with the South Korean military closely monitoring whether the vehicle could be used for a new longer missile, officials said Monday.
The North's official Korean Central News Agency on Sunday released a photo showing the country's leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the new missile vehicle during his visit to a defense industrial enterprise.
It marked the first time that Pyongyang unveils a 12-axle TEL, an upgrade to its previously most-wheeled version that has 11 axles and 22 wheels and used to mount the country's Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.
The new 12-axle TEL indicates that it could carry a missile longer than existing missiles, raising questions as to whether the North could be developing a new longer missile.
"The intelligence authorities of South Korea and the United States are closely monitoring North Korea's weapons development activities," a military official said.
"It is the first time a North Korean 12-axle TEL has appeared, but we'll have to watch more to determine whether it is just for display of power or actual missile improvements." (Yonhap)