According to state media reports, North Korea announced on Friday that it had tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) called the Hwasong-18. The country claimed the test was carried out to enhance its nuclear counterattack capability significantly.
The test was led by Leader Kim Jong Un, who warned that it would result in a heightened security crisis for enemies. He emphasized that the trial would serve as a deterrent, causing extreme uneasiness and horror and prompting enemies to abandon their reckless thinking and actions.
North Korea has disapproved of the recent joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, citing concerns about increased tensions. The country has intensified its weapons testing in the past few months.
According to South Korea's defence ministry, North Korea is reportedly developing a new weapon. The church suggests that additional time and effort are required to fully master the technology, which could potentially lead to further testing by Pyongyang.
The missile launch was witnessed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who was accompanied by his wife, sister, and daughter. The event was documented by KCNA, a state media outlet, which released photos of the occasion. The missile was covered in camouflage nets and mounted on a mobile launcher.
According to a statement from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the creation of the Hwasongpho-18, a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), will significantly transform the strategic deterrence capabilities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The rocket is expected to dramatically enhance the effectiveness of the country's nuclear counterattack posture and fundamentally alter the practicality of its offensive military strategy. The statement from KCNA utilized the organization's official initials to convey this information.
According to sources, the term "Pho" is said to translate to "artillery" in the Korean language.
According to analysts, the employment of solid fuels in an intermediate-range or intercontinental ballistic missile by the North marks a significant development.
The development of a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been a longstanding objective for North Korea, as it would enable the country to deploy missiles in the event of a conflict more rapidly.
More Tests?
The majority of the giant ballistic missiles in the country rely on liquid fuel, necessitating propellant loading at the launch site. This procedure is both hazardous and time-intensive.
According to Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in the United States, solid-propellant missiles are highly coveted by countries with extensive missile-based nuclear capabilities due to their ability to be used without requiring immediate fueling. During times of crisis, these capabilities exhibit a heightened level of responsiveness.
According to Panda, North Korea is expected to retain specific liquid-fuel systems, which could challenge the United States and its allies in a conflict.
According to Vann Van Diepen, a former U.S. government weapons expert currently associated with the 38 North project, solid-fuel missiles are comparatively easier and safer to operate. They also necessitate less logistical support, making them more challenging to detect and increasing their survivability compared to liquid-fuel missiles.
During a military parade in February, North Korea showcased a potential new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This display followed the country's successful testing of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine in December.
According to analysts, the United States can launch solid-fuelled and liquid-fuelled missile launches by utilizing early warning satellites equipped with variations in the infrared data generated by different missile categories.
In recent days, North Korea has launched its latest missile, following leader Kim Jong Un's call for bolstering their war deterrence in a "more practical and offensive" manner. This move is in response to what North Korea perceives as aggressive actions by the United States.
According to officials, a missile was launched near Pyongyang and travelled approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) before ultimately landing in waters east of North Korea. According to North Korean officials, the recent test does not threaten the neighbouring countries.
According to a military official from South Korea, the missile's maximum altitude was reported to be below 6,000 km. This is lower than the apogee achieved during record-breaking tests last year.
According to Kim Dong-yup, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, North Korea had the option to prioritize the collection of data necessary to assess the features of their launch at various stages rather than proceeding at full speed during their initial launch. Following a recent test that failed to exhibit its typical flight pattern, experts suggest North Korea may conduct additional tests shortly.
