North Korea launched an object suspected to be a ballistic missile into the sea, marking its second weapons test in a week.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Korea (JCS) announcement North Korea today launched an unidentified object believed to be a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) fired from the eastern port city of Sinpo. Details of the projectile’s range and flight time have not been released.
Department of Defense Japan also said that this was a ballistic missile, said the bullet fell into the sea in an area outside the country’s exclusive economic zone.
North Korea has not commented on the report.
The SLBM model was tested by North Korea in 2021. Photo: KCNA.
This is the second time North Korea has launched a missile within a week, following the May 4 weapons test, which was also Pyongyang’s 15th large-scale weapon test this year. The series of launches took place a few days before South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol took office on May 10.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced last week that it would speed up the development of its nuclear arsenal amid stalled negotiations with the United States. “North Korea’s nuclear force must always be ready to carry out special missions and demonstrate unparalleled deterrence at all times,” Kim said.
The US ambassador to the United Nations on May 3 called on Security Council members to meet and vote to tighten sanctions on North Korea over recent weapons tests. However, Russia and China have signaled their opposition to increased sanctions on North Korea.
SLBMs are less accurate and powerful than intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), but ballistic missile submarines can hide under the sea for a long time to launch a response in the event of North Korea. preemptive attack. Conventional warhead SLBMs can also be deployed to destroy high-value tactical targets and in fortified bunkers.
North Korea currently has 70 submarines of all types, including one Gorae-class ballistic missile submarine and 20 Project 633 attack submarines. Most of the North Korean submarines are outdated and can only operate close to shore and difficult to threaten the opponent in the event of a conflict. However, this force will be significantly strengthened if equipped with SLBMs with a range of hundreds of kilometers and modern warheads.
Vu Anh (According to Reuters)
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