North Korea recently announced a successful test of its new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-19, claiming it to be the “world’s strongest.” This assertion is regarded by external experts as mainly propaganda, yet the test reflects a notable step forward in North Korea’s ambition to develop a more dependable arsenal of weapons.
The missile, launched on a Thursday, achieved a higher altitude and remained airborne longer than any of North Korea’s previous tests. This advancement indicates progress toward creating a nuclear-capable ICBM capable of striking the U.S. mainland. However, analysts suggest that North Korea still faces several technological hurdles before it can successfully operate such a missile.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) characterized the Hwasong-19 as a “perfected weapon system,” asserting that the missile reflects North Korea’s strategic nuclear capabilities. During the launch, leader Kim Jong Un reportedly described the test as an essential military action, emphasizing the country’s commitment to responding to perceived threats against its national security. He praised the scientists involved for showcasing North Korea’s unparalleled strategic nuclear attack capabilities.
While South Korea’s military indicated that the test may have involved a solid-fueled missile, KCNA did not specify the type of propellant used in the Hwasong-19. Observers have noted that the color of the exhaust flames depicted in North Korean media suggests the missile likely uses solid fuels.
Prior to this test, North Korea’s most advanced missile was the Hwasong-18, also a solid-fueled missile. Solid propellants facilitate easier transportation and significantly reduce launch preparation time compared to liquid propellants, which must be fueled prior to launch. Consequently, this technology makes it harder for adversaries to detect imminent missile launches.
North Korea has claimed ongoing progress in acquiring nuclear-capable missiles over the years. Many foreign experts believe that North Korea likely possesses missiles capable of striking all of South Korea. However, there is skepticism regarding the nation’s ability to target the continental United States with nuclear warheads.
A significant question remains whether North Korea has developed the necessary technology to protect warheads from the extreme temperatures and stresses encountered during re-entry into the atmosphere. Analysts also emphasize the need for improvements in altitude control and guidance systems, as well as the capacity to deploy multiple warheads from a single missile to overcome missile defense systems.
All of North Korea’s recorded ICBM tests, including the recent one, have utilized steep launch angles to prevent the missiles from flying over neighboring countries. South Korean military officials noted that high-angle trajectory launches do not allow for the verification of re-entry vehicle technology, despite North Korea’s previous claims of having achieved this capability.
The launch, North Korea’s first ICBM test in nearly a year, appears to be a strategic move to capture American attention in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential elections and to respond to international criticism regarding North Korea’s alleged military support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Reports of North Korean troop deployments to Russia have raised concerns among South Korea, the U.S., and other nations regarding the potential for North Korea to gain access to advanced Russian military technology, which could further enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities in exchange for its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.
