Title: North Korea launches intercontinental ballistic missile, sign of progress in its weapons program
Introduction :
North Korea launched a possible intercontinental ballistic missile on Monday morning, in what analysts say indicates the growing reliability of the reclusive state’s illegal weapons program. Initial assessments from the Japanese Defense Ministry indicate that the missile launched Monday has the range to reach any part of the United States. This worrying development raises questions about international defense capacity in the face of the threat posed by North Korea.
A maturing weapons program:
Experts believe the missile launched Monday is likely the third missile of the Hwasong-18 type, a solid-fuel ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) that North Korea also launched in April and July. These successive launches demonstrate the maturation of North Korea’s ballistic missile program. Despite missile test failures, the overall reliability of North Korea’s missiles appears to be respectable.
The Flight Path Challenge:
The missile launched in July flew about 1,000 kilometers while remaining in the air for 74 minutes, a marginal improvement over ballistic missiles tested earlier in the year by North Korea. Although high trajectory tests can ensure good engine combustion and stage separation, they do not verify the same criteria as a normal trajectory of an ICBM. For example, it remains to be proven that the nuclear warhead is capable of surviving prolonged atmospheric reentry or being accurate over much longer distances.
More advanced technology:
While the Hwasong-17 missile was liquid-powered and relatively easy to master, the Hwasong-18 missile is solid-powered, making it much more advanced. It would allow North Korea to launch long-range nuclear strikes more quickly. Solid-propelled missiles are more stable and can be moved more easily to avoid detection before launch, which can be initiated in just a few minutes, unlike liquid-propelled missiles, which can require hours of preparation.
Conclusion :
North Korea’s latest missile launch raises international security concerns. With the growing ability to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles, North Korea is moving closer to its goal of being able to strike any part of the United States. Countries around the world must work together to find diplomatic and deterrence solutions to prevent dangerous escalation in the region. The situation in North Korea remains a major concern for global stability.