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North Korea test-fires missile capable of reaching ‘whole of US territory’, Japan calculates
- Monday’s launch was the third time North Korea had tested a solid-fuel ICBM, which analysts say signals consistent efforts to improve the technology
- Japan’s defence ministry said the ICBM had a potential range of 15,000km, putting ‘in the whole of the US territory’ within striking distance
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North Korea on Monday test-fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile that has the potential to reach the United States, extending a record-breaking number of weapons tests this year and triggering further international condemnation.
South Korea said the North fired an ICBM that used solid fuel, which makes missiles easier to transport and faster to fire than liquid-fuelled versions.
Monday’s launch was the third time the North had tested a solid-fuel ICBM, after launches in April and July, which analysts said signalled consistent efforts to improve the technology.
North Korea had said the previous two were “Hwasong-18” missiles but did not immediately comment on Monday’s launch.
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The United States, South Korea and Japan all quickly condemned the missile test, stating it was in breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions and would make the Korean peninsula less secure.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered an “immediate and overwhelming” countermeasure, and called for a joint response with the US and Japan.
Japan’s defence ministry said the ICBM had a potential range of 15,000km (9,320 miles), “in which case the whole of the US territory would be within the range”.
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