| Established | 1964; 60 years ago (1964) |
|---|---|
| Formerly called | Second Academy of Natural Sciences |
| Location | , |
The Academy of National Defense Science (Korean: 국방과학원; Hanja: 國防科學院), formerly Second Academy of Natural Sciences (Korean: 제2자연과학원; Hanja: 第二自然科學院), is a North Korean organization involved in the North Korean missile program, including the Hwasong-14.[1] It is based in Pyongyang, and currently headed by Colonel General Jang Chang-ha.[2][3][4]
It has been sanctioned by the United States government, and subject to export controls in relations to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2270.[5][6]
It was established in 1964 as the Agency for Defense Development under the Ministry of National Security. In 1970 it changed to Second Academy of Natural Sciences and moved to the Second Economic Committee. In 2010 it was slapped with U.S. sanctions[7] In the 2000s Moved to the Department of Military Industry of the Workers' Party of Korea. In 2014 it was renamed to the Agency for Defense Development of Cruise Missiles. Since 2021 it is referred to as the Academy of National Defense Science.[8]
The Academy is also responsible for developing naval vessels and weapons, and has a Maritime Research Institute, headquartered at the Sinpo South Shipyard.[9][10]
The Academy also operates the Namp’o Ship Design Institute.[11]
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reacts with scientists and technicians of the country's Academy of Defense Science after the test-launch of the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile Tuesday.
Jang Chang-ha, president of the Academy of National Defense Science, was seen sitting next to leader Kim Jong-un at a performance with his military rank being raised by one notch from lieutenant general, according to Yonhap News Agency's analysis on photos carried by state media.
In addition to OFAC's designations, the State Department designated three entities and two individuals pursuant to E.O. 13382. The State Department also updated an alias of an entity that was previously designated pursuant to the same E.O. These designations include NADA; the Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry; the Academy of National Defense Science; Choe Chun Sik, the Director of the Second Academy of Natural Sciences, which is designated pursuant to E.O. 13382; and Kang Mun Kil, a representative of Namhung Trading Corporation, which is designated pursuant to E.O. 13382.
Academy of National Defense Science (国防科学院) [...] This review was conducted with reference to the fact that UN Security Council Resolution 2270 additionally designated entities and individuals involved in programs related to North Korea's nuclear, other WMDs, and ballistic missile development which are to be subject to asset-freezing measures.
The test was organized by the Academy of National Defense Science.
The Academy of National Defense Science's Maritime Research Institute, located in Sinpo, is responsible for research and development of maritime technology, naval vessels and submarines and naval related missiles.
Design of the vessel was likely the responsibility of the Academy of National Defense Science's Namp'o Ship Design Institute in cooperation with the Maritime Research Institute (a.k.a., Ship Research Institute), while the Second Economic Committee's 6th Machine Industry Bureau oversaw construction.
