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]
In 2010, it was known as the Second Academy of Natural Sciences.[7]
The Academy is also responsible for developing naval vessels and weapons, and has a Maritime Research Institute, headquartered at the Sinpo South Shipyard.[8][9]
The Academy also operates the Namp’o Ship Design Institute.[10]