North Korea said its latest weapons test was of a “solid-fuel” intercontinental ballistic missile.
Seoul:
North Korea said its latest weapons test was of a “solid-fuel” intercontinental ballistic missile, with leader Kim Jong Un saying it was a major step forward in Pyongyang’s nuclear retaliatory capability, state media said on Friday.
KCNA news agency reported that the new “Hwasung-18” ICBM was tested on Thursday as a key instrument of the strategic military force.
According to KCNA, Kim said that the development of the ICBM would “reorganize our strategic deterrence and strengthen the effectiveness of our nuclear counter-strike.”
Seoul’s military said Thursday it detected a “medium-range or long” ballistic missile launched on an elevated trajectory — not up — out from the Pyongyang area at 7:23 a.m. (1023 GMT). Which covered a distance of 1,000 kilometers (620 mi). ,
All of Pyongyang’s known intercontinental ballistic missiles are liquid-fueled, and solid-fueled ICBMs that could be launched from land or submarines have long been at the top of Kim’s wish list.
Such missiles are easier to store and transport, more stable and quicker to prepare for launch, and thus harder to detect and destroy in advance.
At a military parade in Pyongyang in February, North Korea displayed a record number of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missiles, including what analysts said was likely a new solid-fuel ICBM.
The announcement comes days before North Korea celebrates the Day of the Sun on April 15, one of its most important political anniversaries.
The date marks the birth anniversary of founding leader Kim Il Sung, and is usually celebrated with significant weapons tests or military parades.
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