North Korea says it tested “most powerful” missile to date

North Korea says it tested “most powerful” missile to date

North Korea has test-fired a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), described by the state media as its “most powerful” missile to date. The missile was reportedly launched to confirm the performance of the high-thrust solid-propellant multistage motors, the stage separation technology and the reliability of various functional control systems. 

The launch sparked confusion in northern Japan, where an evacuation order was issued and then retracted within 30 minutes. Analysts said the North’s launch of a new, more powerful weapon did not come as a surprise. 

Solid-fuel missiles can be fired more quickly than liquid-fuel ones, making them harder to intercept, and would enable North Korea to strike the US with far less warning. However, South Korea maintains that the North will need more time to develop a fully operational solid-fuel ICBM system. 

Long-range solid fuel missiles may be operationally superior to their liquid counterparts but are harder to maintain and store, as they are more sensitive to humidity, temperature and physical stress, and may degrade over years in storage. 

This is an important week for North Korea as it celebrates its leader’s 11th year in power, and the latest missile launch also comes two days before the birthday of North Korea’s founding leader – the biggest annual holiday on the country’s calendar.