Academy of National Defense Science

The Academy of National Defense Science, formerly Second Academy of Natural Sciences , is a North Korean organization involved in the North Korean missile program, including the Hwasong-14. It is based in Pyongyang, and currently headed by Colonel General Jang Chang-ha.

It has been sanctioned by the United States government, and subject to export controls in relations to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2270.

History
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 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.

Naval warfare
The Academy is also responsible for developing naval vessels and weapons, and has a Maritime Research Institute, headquartered at the Sinpo South Shipyard.

The Academy also operates the Namp’o Ship Design Institute.

Leaders

 * Jang Chang-ha (current)
 * Choe Chun-sik (c. 2012)