S. Korea, U.S. verifying reports on test of new N.K. missile in Iran: source
*May 15,2007 *
WASHINGTON, (Yonhap) – South Korean and U.S. military authorities are trying to verify newly obtained intelligence that North Korea test-launched in Iran a new kind of missile that was only revealed to the public last month, a source here said Tuesday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity involved, the source said North Korea doesn’t appear to have tested the intermediate-range ballistic missile within its territory.
“But we did obtain intelligence tips that the missile was test-fired in Iran. I understand that the intelligence communities of relevant countries are tracking down the information,” he said.
The missile, named “Musudan,” is believed to have been developed from the former Soviet Union’s SSN-6 model. Its range is estimated at around 4,000 kilometers.
The missile was first made public on April 25 at a parade marking the anniversary of the foundation of the North Korean military.
North Korea launched seven ballistic missiles on July 4 of last year, including an inter-continental Taepodong-2 that theoretically can strike the U.S. west coast.
The Musudan version is estimated to have a range longer than the Taepodong-1 but shorter than the Taepodong-2.
Why would North Korea test a missile in Iran when it can do it in China?