Pyongyang, April 13, 2023, morning - In a significant development, North Korea has conducted a successful test launch of its new Hwasong-18 solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Pyongyang area. The latest addition to the country's arsenal showcases advancements in missile technology, as it moves from liquid to solid fuels, potentially bolstering the nation's military capabilities.
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North Korea has conducted a test-launched with its new Hwasong-18 solid-fueled ICBM InterContinental Ballistic Missile. (Picture source KCNA video footage)
North Korean state media confirmed the launch of the missile, dubbed the Hwasong-18, on April 13, 2023, morning. A new type of intercontinental ballistic missile was test fired on Thursday as the key means of strategic military force citing the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
In a move that has drawn international attention, North Korea recently test-launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The launch demonstrates the country's ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities, as it continues to develop advanced missile technology.
The successful test raises concerns among the global community, as it may have significant implications for international security. Governments and experts worldwide are monitoring the situation closely, as they assess the potential impact of North Korea's latest display of military prowess.
The Hwasong-18 is a new generation of North Korean-made intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was unveiled during a military parade in February 2023.
According to the first analysis of military experts, the Hwasong-18 seems to be a new solid-fueled three stages ICBM which is launched from a TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher). The missile is carried on a 9-axle wheeled truck to support the weight and size of the missile, allowing it to traverse various types of terrain. The missile is encased in a protective canister, which is mounted in the front-middle section of the TEL.
A solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long-range missile system that uses solid propellant as its fuel source. ICBMs are designed to deliver nuclear or conventional warheads over great distances, typically between 5,500 and 12,000 km (3,400 to 7,500 miles). They are launched from silos, mobile launchers, or submarines and follow a suborbital trajectory, allowing them to reach their targets rapidly and with great precision.
Solid-fueled ICBMs can be launched more quickly than liquid-fueled missiles, as they do not require the lengthy fueling process associated with liquid propellants. This allows for a faster response in times of crisis or conflict. Due to the absence of the need for fueling infrastructure, solid-fueled ICBMs can be more easily transported and deployed on mobile launchers, making them harder to detect and target.
