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North Korea Test-Fires New Hwasong-19 ICBM, Claims It as “World’s Strongest”
North Korea has confirmed the launch of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-19, claiming it to be “the world’s strongest strategic missile” and a “perfected weapon system.”
The missile test, conducted on Thursday, marks the longest flight duration of any North Korean missile to date, demonstrating heightened missile capabilities under leader Kim Jong Un’s administration.
Hwasong-19 ICBM Signals Enhanced Threat Capability
The Hwasong-19 missile is seen as a critical step in North Korea’s efforts to develop a nuclear-capable ICBM that can target the U.S. mainland. Observers report that Thursday’s missile reached an unprecedented altitude and flight duration for North Korean launches, signifying potential advances in range and capability. However, according to experts cited by The Associated Press, North Korea still faces remaining technological challenges to fully develop an operational ICBM capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
The test-launch was celebrated by North Korean state media outlet KCNA, which lauded the missile as “the world’s strongest strategic missile,” citing Kim Jong Un’s praise for demonstrating “matchless strategic nuclear attack capability.” Kim referred to the launch as “an appropriate military action,” responding to perceived threats against North Korea’s national security from foreign adversaries.
Solid-Fuel Technology and Key Technical Challenges
South Korean military officials speculate that North Korea may have used solid-fuel technology for the Hwasong-19, which could enhance the missile’s mobility and decrease launch preparation time compared to liquid-fuel missiles. Although North Korea did not confirm this detail, analysts noted the missile’s exhaust flame color, seen in official photos, as an indication of solid fuel use, similar to its predecessor, the Hwasong-18.
The recent advancements underscore North Korea’s ongoing push to develop nuclear-capable missiles, which foreign experts believe already pose a viable threat to South Korea. However, questions remain regarding North Korea’s ability to create a missile capable of re-entering Earth’s atmosphere at high temperatures and stresses necessary for a strike on distant targets, such as the U.S. mainland.
North Korea’s continued missile testing and escalating rhetoric have heightened regional tensions, leaving international observers concerned about the country’s growing nuclear capabilities.
