North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un witnessed the launch of an Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile on Monday at a site east of the capital, Pyongyang.
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According to state media, the missile reached an altitude of 6,518 km, flew 1,002 km, and precisely hit the intended target, an empty stretch of sea.
Images broadcasted by North Korean state TV depicted the launch of a ballistic missile capable of reaching any part of the US.
“The intercontinental ballistic missile of the ICBM class launched this time, depending on the weight of the warhead, could have a flight range of over 15,000 kilometers,” said Shingo Miyake, Japan’s Deputy Defense Minister. “The entire American territory would be within its range,” he added.
The Hwasong-18 missile has the advantage of using solid fuel, enabling simpler operation and safer transport.
Another advantage compared to models using liquid fuel is that it doesn’t need to be fueled at the time of launch, allowing for easier and quicker firing.
The Hwasong-18 is over 25 meters long and has a diameter exceeding 2 meters.
During the military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the North Korean Army in July this year, at least ten intercontinental missiles of the previous model, Hwasong-17, were showcased.
Images: Twitter @Mundo__News