North Korea Launches Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile, Raising Concerns
In a provocative move, North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile off its east coast on Tuesday, signaling its continued efforts to develop missiles capable of targeting American military bases in the Western Pacific.
The missile, launched from near Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, flew for 372 miles before falling in waters between North Korea and Japan, according to the South Korean military. This launch did not fly over Japan, unlike some previous launches of intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) by North Korea.
South Korean and American officials are currently analyzing data from the test to gain more insight into the missile. Analysts believe that the test may have involved a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile powered by a solid-fuel engine, a technology that North Korea has been working on in recent years.
North Korea has been striving to enhance its missile capabilities by combining new solid-fuel and hypersonic technologies, making its missiles faster to launch and more difficult to intercept. The country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has emphasized the strategic importance of these missiles, comparing them to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could target the mainland United States.
The launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile by North Korea is particularly concerning as it has the potential to cover all of Japan and Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific. U.S. military bases in these locations are crucial launchpads for American reinforcement forces in the event of a conflict with North Korea.
Despite lacking sophisticated warplanes or submarines, North Korea has been focusing on expanding its missile capabilities as a means to launch nuclear weapons. The country has also conducted tests involving underwater drones and cruise missiles, all aimed at carrying nuclear warheads.
The Pentagon has assessed that most of North Korea’s ballistic missiles have the capability to carry nuclear payloads, although using them against the United States or its allies would be suicidal for the regime. North Korea has remained determined to make its nuclear threat credible, with plans to launch several reconnaissance satellites this year to enhance its military capabilities.
Analysts are concerned that North Korea may be receiving assistance from Russia to improve its satellites and other weapons. The country has been accused of providing support to Russia in its war in Ukraine in exchange for oil, military technology, and other aid. South Korean officials have reported that North Korea is preparing for another satellite launch from a spaceport on its northwestern tip in the near future.
