On Thursday, North Korea’s state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, announced that the country successfully test-fired its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-19.
The report indicated that the Hwasong-19 reached a maximum altitude of 4,777 miles (7,687.5 km) and traveled a distance of 621 miles (1,001.2 km) over a flight duration of 85.9 minutes before landing in the East Sea’s international waters.
The state media praised the test, calling it a milestone for the country’s missile program. “The latest strategic missile capabilities fully demonstrated the modernity and reliability of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s strategic deterrent force, which boasts the world’s most powerful strength,” the report said.
The Hwasong-19 ICBM is the “final and complete version of ICBM” that will operate alongside the existing Hwasong-18.
Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, accompanied him during this test launch.
Kim Jong Un described the test launch as “an appropriate military activity,” reinforcing North Korea’s commitment to signal its resolve to adversaries. He added, “Under no circumstances will we change our policy of strengthening our nuclear forces.”
On Thursday morning, around 7:10 AM, North Korea launched an ICMM at a steep trajectory from the Pyongyang area. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff assessed that North Korea might have fired a new solid-fuel ICBM and stated they are analyzing whether the recently unveiled 12-axle Transporter Erector Launcher was used in this launch.
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