Global Courant 2023-04-14 03:08:51
SEOUL — North Korea said Friday it has tested a new solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18, intended to “radically promote” the country’s nuclear counterattack, state media reported, warning of “extreme unease and horror.” for enemies.
North Korea fired what appears to be a new model of ballistic missile on Thursday, South Korea said. This caused fear in northern Japan, where residents of Hokkaido were told to take cover, although there appeared to be no danger.
“The development of the new type ICBM Hwasongpho-18 will radically reshape the DPRK’s strategic deterrence components, radically advance the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack, and bring about a change in the viability of its offensive military strategy,” said KCNA. using the initials of the legal name.
Analysts said this would be the North’s first use of solid propellant in an intermediate-range or intercontinental ballistic missile.
The development of a solid-fuel ICBM has long been seen as an important goal for North Korea, as it could help North Korea deploy its missiles more quickly in the event of war.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un led the test, warning that it will ensure enemies “experience a clearer security crisis and continuously drive them into extreme turmoil and horror by taking fatal and offensive countermeasures until they lose their senseless thinking and give up reckless acts.” .
North Korea has criticized recent joint US-South Korean military exercises for raising tensions and has conducted weapons tests in recent months.
Most of the country’s largest ballistic missiles use liquid fuel, requiring propellant loading at their launch site – a time-consuming process.
“Solids are easier and safer for troops to operate in the field, and have a much smaller logistics train making field-deployed solid missile units more difficult to detect (and therefore more survivable) than liquids,” said Mr. Vann Van Diepen, a former US government weapons expert who now works with the 38 North project, said.
“But even liquids are highly survivable when deployed in the field,” Mr Van Diepen said, adding that it depends on how North Korea chooses to operate the systems.
North Korea showed off what could be a new solid-fuel ICBM at a military parade in February, after testing a powerful solid-fuel engine in December 2022.
Analysts said the US would be able to determine between a solid or liquid fuel launch via early warning satellites that can detect differences in the infrared data produced by different types of missiles.
The latest launch came days after Kim called for strengthening war deterrents in a “more practical and offensive” way to counter what North Korea called attacks by the United States.
The missile, fired from near Pyongyang, flew about 1,000 km before landing in waters east of North Korea, officials said.
North Korea said the test posed no threat to its neighbors. REUTERS
