North Korea announced the successful test of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile “Hwasong-19,” with the state media labeling it “the world’s strongest missile.”
The new missile has improved altitude and flight range, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA ), which makes it a step closer to Pyongyang’s goal of a nuclear-capable ICBM that has the potential to reach the United States.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency designated the missile as” Hwasong-19″ ICBM, describing it as” the world’s strongest strategic missile” and” the perfected weapon system”.
While South Korean military officials suggested the possibility of a solid-fueled missile test, KCNA’s report did n’t specify the propellant type used in Hwasong-19. Standard photographs with weary flames indicate the probable use of solid fuel technology, in the opinion of experts, which speeds up launches and improves concealment. Due to this test, the Hwasong-18 was North Korea’s most superior ICBM.
Solid-fueled weapons, unlike their liquid-fueled rivals, come pre-loaded with fuel, allowing for faster debuts and greater privacy by reducing apparent preparation times. This technological leap may mark a transition from the Hwasong-18, North Korea’s earlier best ICBM, to a model with possible higher operating readiness and improved concealment.
Kim Jong Un observed the launch with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, whom Seoul intelligence identifies as his potential successor. Kim hailed the test as “an appropriate military action” in light of perceived threats to North Korea’s security, lauding the scientists and engineers involved for their work in reinforcing the country’s “matchless strategic nuclear attack capability.”
North Korea’s ability to strike South Korea with nuclear weapons has n’t been questioned, but it still has a way of reaching the United States. North Korea’s ability to strike farther countries is nonetheless hampered by technical difficulties, including rehabilitation vehicle protection, guidance system refinement, and several warhead deployment capabilities.
The launch date, which is scheduled before the US presidential election and amid global criticism of North Korea’s alleged troop deployment to Russia during the Ukraine conflict, seems strategic.
According to US officials, around 8, 000 Northern Korean soldiers have been stationed close to the Russian-Ukraine border. The exam took place shortly after US and South Korean defence officials urged North Korea to leave its military and deploy to Russia.
