North Korean officials confirmed on Monday (31st) that the authorities tested Hwasong-12 surface-to-surface intermediate-range ballistic missiles on Sunday (30th). The test was North Korea’s seventh show of force this year and its longest-range missile test since an ICBM test in November 2017.
According to North Korean state media, the purpose of this test is to check the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile being produced and to verify the accuracy of the entire weapon system. The official media also pointed out that the authorities took into account the security of neighboring countries, and this time the test-fire chose to launch from the northwest region to the eastern sea area, and launch it at the highest angle.
North Korea also released images of Earth taken from space by cameras mounted on the missile’s warhead to confirm the accuracy, safety and operational effectiveness of the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile. However, the report did not mention whether leader Kim Jong Un was present at the test launch.
The South Korean military said on Sunday that the North Korean missile was launched at a wide angle, with a range of 800 kilometers, a flight altitude of 2,000 kilometers, and stayed in the air for about 30 minutes. It is inferred that if the North Korean missile is launched at the normal highest point, the flight range can reach 3,500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers, which is a long-range ballistic missile. South Korean President Moon Jae-in condemned the launch for escalating tensions, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command called on North Korea to refrain from further destabilizing actions.
