Joseph Dempsey

Research Associate for Defence & Military Analysis @IISS_org
My views are my own

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

North Korea shows latest launches involved at-least three different weapon systems

240mm guided projectile
Hwasong-11D
New compact tactical cruise missile

https://t.co/HiLGG7KHmn

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

North Korea reportedly launches Close-Range Ballistic Missiles (CRBM) and artillery rockets.

In this case the CBRMs (range <300km) are most likely guided MRL projectiles such as 300mm KN-09, 600mm KN-25 or the under development 240mm system.
https://t.co/44ft3pjvRq

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

North Korea reportedly launches Close-Range Ballistic Missiles (CRBM) and artillery rockets.

In this case the CBRMs (range <300km) are most likely guided MRL projectiles such as 300mm KN-09, 600mm KN-25 or the under development 240mm system.
https://t.co/44ft3pjvRq

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

@ArmsControlWonk @BalmforthTom @Reuters @ArmsControlWonk I think we've none each other long enough for me to know your comments were intended as constructive not critical👍

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Apparent wreckage of Russia's controversial 9M729 (SSC-8) cruise missile observed in Ukraine.

Russia initial deployment of the ground-launched 9M729 was accused to be a violation of the then INF treaty given an assessed range in excess of 1000km.

[Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo @elisabethmalom1]

Latest: Amid uncertainty surrounding #US’ military posture in Europe, #Norway’s FM used NATO meeting to warn that Russian nuclear weapons pose direct threat to all American cities, emphasizing that unified partnership within alliance is key to prevent this
https://t.co/nGsC747DnZ

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) publish first 'official' images of new two-seater Su-57D prototype, which made its maiden flight today

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Increasingly apparent from satellite imagery of IINS Varsha is the widely reported construction of an underground submarine facility, with two large tunnel entrances visible. Recent imagery indicates water now within these tunnels, suggesting completion of the waterway,

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

My latest @IISS_org Military Balance blog with @KarlDewey1 explores India's expanding SSBN capability.

A few satellite imagery analysis highlights enabled by @vantortech🧵

[IISS News @IISS_org]

India’s expanding fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and progress with new basing infrastructure reflects its maturating sea-based nuclear deterrent and credible second-strike capabilities.

➡️Read the latest analysis from @JosephHDempsey and @KarlDewey1: https://t.co/OIBxoAwu5E

#IISS_SLD26 |  https://t.co/aj642880tE

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Over at least the last 15 years, work has been slowly progressing on a vast new naval is a more remote and secure location 50 km south of Visakhapatnam

INS Varsha, is expected principally to serve as a nuclear submarine support facility for India’s SSBN fleet.

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

A good and timely piece of analysis from my @IISS_org colleague @zuzannagwadera on Russia's recent successful Sarmat ICBM test.

Of particular note is the application of @planet imagery to verify the silo location and identify post-launch indicators

[IISS News @IISS_org]

Russia said on 12 May 2026 that its Strategic Rocket Forces had conducted the second successful test of the Sarmat ICBM.

The launch brings the design one step closer to deployment following two previous failures.

Read the latest #MissileDialogueInitiative analysis by @zuzannagwadera: https://t.co/hi1gKoLfgp

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

@dex_eve I don't think KJU was at this location purely to see some SRBMs

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

https://t.co/LGDn7WigRJ

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Geolocation of North Korea's missile launches at Sinpo 40.017083,128.166400

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

"The purpose of the test-fire is to verify the characteristics and power of cluster bomb warhead and fragmentation mine warhead applied to the tactical ballistic missile."

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Curious if the "carbon fiber dummy projectile scattering" could related to the unidentified projectile launch on 7th April, subsequently reportedly assessed as a failed 600mm KN-25 launch?

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Meanwhile North Korea 🇰🇵 reportedly conducts 3 missiles launches in 2 days (Sources:🇰🇷 ROK JCS & 🇯🇵 Japan MoD)

Tue 7 April
Reported failure of 600m KN-25
🌏Pyongyang 🇰🇷

Wed 8 April
🕘~08:50🇰🇷
▶️~240km🇰🇷
🌏Wonsan 🇰🇷
&
🕝14:20 🇯🇵 14:23 🇯🇵
▶️>700km 🇰🇷🇯🇵
🔼~60km 🇯🇵
🌏Wonsan Area 🇰🇷

[Joseph Dempsey @JosephHDempsey]

Possible indication of North Korean systems designed to disable/disrupt electrical systems and infrastructure.

"electromagnetic weapons and carbon fiber bombs are special assets of a strategic nature that are combined and applied with various military means in multiple spaces."