North Korea claims to have tested new ICBMs

North Korea says it has made significant progress in nuclear deterrence against its enemies. The country has successfully tested a new Hwasongpho-18 fixed-drive ICBM led by leader Kim Jong-un, state-controlled media reported Friday. The purpose of Thursday’s test was to check the performance of solid-fuel engines for multistage rockets. While ICBMs are considered the primary means of delivering nuclear weapons, solid propellant missiles are ready for use very quickly.

North Korea described the new missile as a strategic offensive weapon and in the future “the most powerful, central and most important means” to defend the country and deter aggression. The aim of the government’s policy is to constantly instill “extreme uneasiness and fear” in the enemy, Kim said. North Korea sees the United States and South Korea as its enemies. North Korea’s development of ICBMs, with a range of more than 5,500 kilometers, is primarily focused on the US nuclear power.

North Korea is subject to severe 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 missile flew about 1000 kilometers before falling into the water in the Sea of ​​​​Japan (Korean: Baltic Sea). South Korea and the US accused Pyongyang of provocation. The federal government also condemned North Korea’s “illegal launch of a long-range ballistic missile in the strongest possible terms”. UN decrees prohibit the country from testing ICBMs and other ballistic missiles. Depending on the design, such missiles can be equipped with one or more warheads.

The conflict with North Korea has once again become significantly more explosive. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea has again tested nuclear missiles several times this year. The US and South Korea resume full-scale joint military exercises. (sda/dpa)