North Korea says it has made significant progress in nuclear deterrence against its enemies. The country has successfully tested a new Hwasongpho-18 solid-propelled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) under the guidance of leader Kim Jong Un, the state-controlled media reported.
The aim of the test on Thursday was to check the performance of solid fuel engines for multi-stage rockets. While ICBMs are considered the most important means of delivering nuclear weapons, solid-propellant rockets are particularly quickly ready for use.
North Korea described the new missile as a strategic offensive weapon and in the future “the most powerful, central and primary means” to defend the country and deter aggression. The aim of the government’s policy is to create “extreme uneasiness and fear” in the enemy on a constant basis, Kim was quoted as saying. North Korea sees the United States and South Korea as its enemies. North Korea’s development of ICBMs, whose range exceeds 5500 kilometers, is primarily aimed at the nuclear power USA.
South Korea and the US accuse Pyongyang of provocation
North Korea is subject to tough international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile program. The missile test was recorded by the South Korean military on Thursday. According to this, the rocket flew about 1000 kilometers before falling into the water in the Sea of ??Japan (Korean: East Sea). South Korea and the US accused Pyongyang of provocation. The German government also condemned the “illegal launch of a long-range ballistic missile by North Korea in the strongest terms”. The country is barred from testing ICBMs and other ballistic missiles by UN decisions. Depending on the design, such rockets can be equipped with one or more nuclear warheads.
The conflict with North Korea has become significantly more explosive again. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea has again tested nuclear-capable missiles several times this year. The US and South Korea resumed full-scale joint military exercises.
