North Korea speaks out about ‘monster’ missile test

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on March 24 that Kim Jong-un directly directed the launch of a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17 of the North Korean strategic forces. .

Hwasong-17 is known as the “monster missile”, once appeared at a military parade in October 2020. This missile has never been successfully tested before.

“The missile, launched at Pyongyang International Airport, flew to a maximum altitude of 6,248.5 km and traveled a distance of 1,090 km in 4,052 seconds before accurately hitting a predetermined area in the open sea in the Sea. Japan”,KCNA news.

South Korea’s military estimated the range of March 24’s launch at around 6,200 kilometers, much farther than the most recent ICBM tested by North Korea in October 2017.

According to KCNAKim Jong-un affirmed “on a mission to be a powerful nuclear war deterrent“.

Grandfather “proudly remarking that the appearance of new strategic weapons by North Korea will make the whole world realize once again the power of our strategic armed forces.“, KCNA let me know.

The North Korean leader also stressed that the successful test of the Hwasong-17 means that Pyongyang will be “completely ready for a long-term confrontation with the US”.

North Korea stopped testing ICBMs in 2018 after Kim Jong-un ordered the suspension.

However, earlier this year, Pyongyang warned it could resume such launches.

Experts say North Korea last week appeared to have test-fired the Hwasong-17 but failed. The rocket exploded over Pyongyang shortly after launch.

Analysts assess the successful launch of Hwasong-17 may be part of the activities to prepare for the 110th anniversary of the birth of late President Kim Jong-il on April 15.