[WEEKLY FOCUS] N. KOREA'S SOLID-FUEL HYPERSONIC MISSILE
북, '글라이더형 극초음속미사일' 첫 성공, 고조되는 한반도 갈등
North Korea this week, launched what it claims to be a new solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile, suggesting progress in Pyongyang's efforts to develop a more powerful weapons system.
For more, we have our defense correspondent Choi Min-jung,.. in the studio.
Welcome, Min-jung.
Thank you for having me.
Min-jung, what can you tell us about the regime's latest launch?
North Korea launched an apparent intermediate-range ballistic missile into the East Sea on Tuesday morning.
And according to South Korea's military, the missile was launched at around 6:53 AM, and flew around 600 kilometers, from the Pyongyang area toward the East Sea.
The very next day, North Korea claimed that it successfully test-fired a new type of solid-fuel hypersonic IRBM, which was revealed as the Hwasong-16.
The test was reportedly overseen by leader Kim Jong-un, who announced that the regime has now made all of its missiles, solid-fuel and nuclear-capable, with independently controlled warheads.
The North said the latest test was aimed at verifying the weapon system's reliability, and it also noted that the missile traveled around a THOUSAND kilometers.
However, the South Korean military dismissed Pyongyang's claims on the flight distance, describing them as being "exaggerated."
As detected in its initial analysis, South Korea assessed that the missile traveled only about 600 kilometers, and denied speculation that the military's radar systems were unable to fully track the missile.
Right, there seems to be an inconsistency there. But South Korea's military did admit some technological progress in the regime's weapons system, right?
Right, the military did spot enhanced missile capabilities.
North Korea previously test-fired a solid-fuel hypersonic IRBM in January.
And last month, the regime claimed success in a ground test of a solid-fuel engine, for a new medium-to-long-range hypersonic missile.
Military officials said Tuesday's launch appears to be an upgrade from January's test-firing, with the newly tested solid fuel engine.
"The latest launch is believed to be related to the solid-fuel engine ground test that North Korea publicly revealed in March."
However, Seoul's military said it would take some time for the North to deploy hypersonic missiles that can maneuver perfectly.
And an expert added we should brace for more test launches in the future.
"Since North Korea pledged to develop hypersonic missiles in 2021, it has gone through a lot of trial and error. For the first time, North Korea has tested the specific form of hypersonic missile that it's been aiming for. It will likely test-fire the missile two to three more times."
The expert added that the North is also likely to start developing hypersonic INTERCONTINENTAL ballistic missiles, which are longer-range missiles aimed at targeting the U.S. mainland.
Right, longer-range ICBMs to target the U.S. mainland But Min-jung, why is the North currently focused on developing the relatively shorter, IRBMs that are hypersonic and solid-fuel?
While North Korea's ICBMs are mainly designed to reach the U.S. mainland, IRBMs are weapons systems capable of targeting U.S. military bases in Guam or Japan, which are both relatively closer to Pyongyang.
And the regime has been putting a lot of effort into developing hypersonic missiles, as they are designed to travel at more than five times the speed of sound.
They often maneuver at relatively low altitudes, making them harder to detect and intercept.
North Korea has also been developing solid-fuel missiles, as they can be launched quickly, with little preparation,. compared to liquid-fuel ones.
Meanwhile, President Yoon responded to the North's launch, pointing out that it was aimed at dividing the South.
Right, North Korea has previously staged provocations before general elections in South Korea.
And President Yoon Suk Yeol said Pyongyang's attempts to divide the nation, and interfere with next week's general election, will only tighten unity in South Korea.
"Provocations like this only unite the hearts of our people more tightly. We hope that our military will maintain a full security posture in preparation for further provocations by North Korea."
The nuclear envoys of Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo also condemned North Korea for its recent missile test, and agreed to continue close cooperation to curb Pyongyang's threats ahead of the upcoming election...
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2024-04-06, 12:00 (KST)