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North Korea might test new ICBM design ‘in near future’, says US general
- Warning from head of the US military’s Northern Command comes just before a visit to South Korea by Biden’s top diplomat and defence secretary
- Resumption of missile and nuclear weapons testing after a hiatus of more than three years would sharply increase tensions between Pyongyang and Washington
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North Korea might begin flight testing an improved design for its intercontinental ballistic missiles “in the near future”, the head of the US military’s Northern Command said on Tuesday, a move that would sharply increase tensions between Pyongyang and Washington.
The warning by Air Force General Glen VanHerck appeared based on North Korea’s October unveiling at a parade of what would be its largest ICBM yet, and not specific intelligence about an imminent launch.
Still, VanHerck made his remarks a day ahead of a debut trip by President Joe Biden’s top diplomat and defence secretary to South Korea and underscores US concerns that Pyongyang may resume testing of missiles and nuclear weapons after a hiatus of more than three years.
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Even during the testing lull, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for continued production of nuclear weapons for his arsenal, launched a series of smaller missiles and unveiled the ICBM.
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VanHerck told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Pyongyang’s “considerably larger and presumably more capable” ICBM further increased the threat to the United States. Still, he expressed confidence in US missile defences.
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The US general also noted that Kim released himself from a moratorium on testing over a year ago.
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