Kim Jong-un’s rocket men

Three men shown celebrating with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un following successful missile launches are believed to be the top people in the country’s rapidly advancing missile and nuclear programme


Ri Pyong-chol
One of Kim’s closest aides. Former air force chief elected to National Defence Commission – most powerful government organization – in 2014.
Now runs Workers’ Party Munitions Industry Department (MID), developing conventional and
nuclear weapons

Jang Chang-ha
As President of Academy of National Defence Science, Jang’s staff procure foreign technology and equipment for weapons programmes.
Promoted in July after successful test of KN-20, using Soviet-era RD-250 engine, built in Ukraine

Kim Jong-sik:
Rocket scientist and general at MID.
Mastermind of Kim’s missile programme since successful launch of Unha-3 rocket – which put satellite into low earth orbit – in 2012


Kim Jong-un
Leader since 2011


KIM’S MISSILES

1 KN-17/Hwasong-12
Range: 5,500km
Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tested May 2017

2 KN-11/Pukguksong-2
Range: 1,200km
In development

3 KN-7/Scud-ER
Range: 960-1,000km

4 KN-20/Hwasong-14
Range: 6,700km-plus

1 2 3 4


Sources: 38 North, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Pictures: Korean Central News Agency via AP, KCNA/STR/AFP via Getty Images
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