North Korea Tests First Ever Solid-Fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM
The test-fire of the Hwasong-18 came just days after a meeting of North Korea’s Central Military Commission chaired by Kim Jung-un. According to state media, the North Korean leader quoted “the ever-worsening security on the Korean Peninsula” and urged authorities to expand nuclear deterrence capabilities.
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The test-fire of the Hwasong-18 came just days after a meeting of North Korea’s Central Military Commission chaired by Kim Jung-un. According to state media, the North Korean leader quoted “the ever-worsening security on the Korean Peninsula” and urged authorities to expand nuclear deterrence capabilities.
© Photo : KCNA
Kim Jong-un made aims to bring his army up to international standards.
North Korea began its nuclear program at the end of Cold War with easier-to-master liquid-fuel missiles and this gave it an edge in security. The fact that the country was able to launch its first-ever solid-fuel ICBM implies that Kim’s missile program is progressing.
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Kim Jong-un made aims to bring his army up to international standards.
North Korea began its nuclear program at the end of Cold War with easier-to-master liquid-fuel missiles and this gave it an edge in security. The fact that the country was able to launch its first-ever solid-fuel ICBM implies that Kim’s missile program is progressing.
© Photo : KCNA
The launch of solid-fueled ICBMs can be initiated in a matter of minutes since the missile can be fueled during manufacturing.
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The launch of solid-fueled ICBMs can be initiated in a matter of minutes since the missile can be fueled during manufacturing.
© Photo : KCNA
On the other hand, ICBMs based on liquid fuel technology will need to undergo an hour-long fueling process at the launch site. It gives the adversary time to detect and eliminate the missile.
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On the other hand, ICBMs based on liquid fuel technology will need to undergo an hour-long fueling process at the launch site. It gives the adversary time to detect and eliminate the missile.
© Photo : KCNA
The liquid-fuel ICBMs were instrumental for deterring the US since they could reach American territory and this prevented Washington from openly aggressive steps toward Pyongyang. However, now North Korea is taking a step forward and seriously improving its missiles.
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The liquid-fuel ICBMs were instrumental for deterring the US since they could reach American territory and this prevented Washington from openly aggressive steps toward Pyongyang. However, now North Korea is taking a step forward and seriously improving its missiles.
© Photo : KCNA
Solid-fuel ICBMs enforce North Korean strategic deterrence allowing Pyongyang to inspire “extreme angst and fear” in its opponents, as Kim Jong-un put it.
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Solid-fuel ICBMs enforce North Korean strategic deterrence allowing Pyongyang to inspire “extreme angst and fear” in its opponents, as Kim Jong-un put it.
© Photo : KCNA
As experts stress, North Korea is following the technological footsteps of the Soviet Union, the US, China, Israel and India.
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As experts stress, North Korea is following the technological footsteps of the Soviet Union, the US, China, Israel and India.
© Photo : KCNA
Pyongyang was always concerned that someday the US will attack and wipe out all North Korean nukes before there is a chance of retaliatory strike.
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Pyongyang was always concerned that someday the US will attack and wipe out all North Korean nukes before there is a chance of retaliatory strike.
© Photo : KCNA
Now, Kim Jong-un is sending the West a powerful message that he has the imminent ability to strike back or even strike first if he deems necessary.
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Now, Kim Jong-un is sending the West a powerful message that he has the imminent ability to strike back or even strike first if he deems necessary.
© Photo : KCNA
Experts believe that, taking into account US activities in the region, more tests are to come.
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Experts believe that, taking into account US activities in the region, more tests are to come.
