Analysis
The Hwasong-12: what the tests have achieved so far
The missile is moving from an artificial testing environment to an operational one
The Hwasong-12 appears to have moved back to an integrated transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) for launches, indicating that the missile is moving towards more operational testing conditions and is more mobile than previously assessed.
The first two successful Hwasong-12 tests did not involve a TEL, instead involving a transporter-erector or T/E, a vehicle that moves the missile system into firing position, elevates the missile, then detaches from the missile and leaves the firing area.
The T/E configuration protects the heavy, expensive vehicles from both missile failures and the damage taken from successful launches, but is
