November 1st 2024.
The recent test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea has caused quite a stir. The country proudly proclaimed it as "the world's strongest" in a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency on Friday. While outside experts view this claim as mere propaganda, it cannot be denied that this test marks a significant advancement in North Korea's pursuit of a more reliable weapons arsenal.
The missile, launched on Thursday, flew higher and for a longer duration than any other weapon the country has previously fired. This is a clear indication that North Korea is making progress in their efforts to acquire a nuclear-armed ICBM capable of hitting the United States mainland. However, experts believe that there are still a few technological hurdles that need to be overcome before this goal can be achieved.
The Korean Central News Agency identified the missile as the "Hwasong-19" ICBM and touted it as "the world's strongest strategic missile" and "the perfected weapon system." It was reported that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, personally observed the launch and praised it as a necessary military action to demonstrate North Korea's resolve in the face of escalating tensions and threats to their national security. He also thanked the weapons scientists for showcasing the country's "matchless strategic nuclear attack capability."
There has been speculation that this new ICBM may use solid fuels, as evidenced by the color of the exhaust flames seen in North Korean media photos. This would make it easier to move and launch the missile, as solid propellants do not require fueling before liftoff like liquid propellants do. This also makes it more difficult for opponents to detect launches.
North Korea has been making steady progress in their pursuit of nuclear-tipped missiles in recent years. While it is believed that they currently possess missiles capable of reaching all of South Korea, they have yet to develop ones that can travel to the mainland United States. One key factor in this is the ability to shield warheads from the extreme conditions of atmospheric reentry. Additionally, improved altitude control and guidance systems are needed for the missiles, as well as the capability to place multiple warheads on a single missile to bypass missile defenses.
All of North Korea's known ICBM tests, including this one, have been conducted at steep angles to avoid neighboring countries. This is why South Korean military spokesperson Lee Sung Joon stated that a high-angle trajectory launch cannot verify the missile's re-entry vehicle technology, despite North Korea's previous claims of possessing this technology.
In addition to the missile test, there has been international backlash over North Korea's reported dispatch of troops to support Russia in their war against Ukraine. This has raised concerns about the growing military cooperation between the two countries and the possibility of North Korea gaining access to sensitive Russian technology in exchange for their support.
It is clear that North Korea's recent actions, including the ICBM test and troop dispatch, are aimed at grabbing the attention of the United States and the world. With the U.S. presidential election just days away, it seems that North Korea is making a bold statement and asserting their presence on the global stage. The future implications of these developments are yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure: North Korea is determined to continue advancing their weapons capabilities.
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