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North Korea Is Operating Mirim College for Electronic Warfare Research

by Chong Son-ku
Seoul CHUNGANG ILBO
22 Sep 94, p 4

It has been learned that as part of its modernization of the military, the North Korean Army has established and is operating a college within the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces specializing in electronic warfare research.

According to the Ministry of National Defense [MND] on 22 September, the North Korean Army has realized since the late 1980's the need for electronic warfare and missile development technology in order to modernize the military, and thus established "Mirim College" as an ultramodern research organization under the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces. Mirim College was organized under the initiative of Kim Chong-il. Being aware of the considerable importance of electronic warfare to strengthen future combat capabilities, Kim Chong-il has paid special attention to this college since Kim Il-song's death.

In particular, Kim Chong-il was shocked during the Gulf War at the serious blows suffered by Iraq as a result of precision bombing using ultramodern equipment of the U.S. army, which resulted in Iraq's defeat. Thus, he saw to it that the college's functions were strengthened.

Kim Chong-il is worried about the possibility that the DPRK may also suffer such blows in an emergency.

Prompted by such worries, Kim Chong-il introduced missile technology, including anti-ballistic missiles, from Russia and the PRC, and is currently accelerating the development of various harassment and camouflage devices to counter the United States' ultramodern technology, including electronic sensing devices and heat-seeking equipment.

The MND explained that Mirim College is designed to conduct case- study research on emergency situations based on the concept of various local war scenarios, like the Gulf War. However, whether Mirim College has developed long-range missiles such as the Nodong and Taepodong-line missiles, and the precise nature of its structure and organization, have not been confirmed. It was observed, however, that since the college was established in the late 1980's, by today it might have achieved a considerable degree of electronic warfare technology. The most outstanding minds were selected from within the People's Army to work at this college.

Kim Chong-il's interest in researching future ultramodern electronic warfare, including the establishment of "Mirim College," is in excellent contrast to Kim Il-song's emphasis on light infantry tactics and on building military power to strengthen air defense capabilities based on his experience during the Korean war.