Pyongyang, North Korea. After testing to the satisfaction of beloved North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, a positive determination has been made for missile production and eventual deployment. According to news outlets, Kim approved the missile “for action” after praising its accuracy, saying it should be “rapidly mass produced in a serial way.”
North Korea launched a new type of intermediate-range missile called Hwasong-12, which is capable of carrying a large nuclear warhead. The missile went further and flew higher than any previous launch, reaching a distance of 430 miles and an altitude of more than 1,245 miles.
The recent test launch was aimed to see how the missile would fare under battle conditions. North Korea is known to be developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (IBCM) capable of destroying American bases in South Korea, Japan, and Guam.
The people’s leader is quoted as saying that the US mainland and its “operational theater in the Pacific” are within “striking range.” In February, a North Korean ambassador told the United Nations that the missile tests are self-defense measures to protect national sovereignty and the safety of North Korean citizens against direct threats by hostile American forces.
For a North Korean missile strike to reach the US mainland, its nuclear warhead must be able to withstand re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. Officials say this technology could be years away, though many failed to anticipate North Korea’s progress in recent months.
Following Sunday’s test launch, North Korea’s state media published a collection of photographs taken from a camera on board the missile. According to North Korea, the images will help scientists improve the position and steering functions of a nuclear warhead.
Analysts believe an explanation for North Korea’s urgency when it comes to missile testing is Kim Jong-Un could finally be prepared to comply with UN Security Council resolutions. If Kim is ready to make a deal, then the rush of tests in recent weeks is probably the North’s effort to make what progress they can before they freeze their program-for now.