The Hwaseong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, launched by North Korea on July 12, is presented as a critical element in deterring a nuclear strike against the country. This statement comes through official North Korean channels, cited by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Reports say the test was personally directed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was at the central command and observation post to oversee the operation.
According to TsNAK, the launch achieved an apogee of 6,648.4 km, covered a horizontal distance of 1,001.2 km in 4,491 seconds, and then accurately reached its target point in the waters of the Sea of Japan.
North Korea asserted that the new records confirmed during the Hwaseong-18 launch demonstrate the power, reliability, and military effectiveness of the missile system family.
Earlier statements from Japan’s Ministry of Defense suggested that an intercontinental missile launched by the DPRK could potentially reach any location in the United States. Officials noted that depending on the warhead weight, the range could exceed 15,000 km. Since April 13, 2023, Japan reported the DPRK had conducted 14 missile launches with flight profiles that could be categorized as intercontinental, those exceeding 5,500 km in range.
In a separate context, physicists have explored optimal patterns for surviving a nuclear blast, considering factors such as blast radius and protective measures, though such analyses remain theoretical and speculative in nature.
In summary, officials emphasize that the Hwaseong-18 represents a notable advancement in North Korea’s ballistic missile program, underscoring capabilities that are intended to contribute to strategic deterrence.
[KCNA]