SEOUL, Oct 31 (Alliance News): North Korea announced the successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, referring to it as the “world’s most powerful strategic weapon.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch, describing it as a defensive warning to nations posing a security threat to Pyongyang, as reported by the KCNA state news agency.
Kim’s statement comes as North Korea faces criticism for reportedly deploying 11,000 troops to aid Russia in Ukraine, a move U.S. officials warn may lead to technology exchanges in missile and nuclear weapon development.
Seoul expressed concern that North Korea may receive advanced missile technology from Russia in return for its support in the Ukraine war, potentially heightening regional threats.
South Korea, Japan, and the United States swiftly condemned the launch. Seoul also highlighted signs North Korea may be preparing for another ICBM launch or even a nuclear test near the U.S. presidential election, a tactic experts suggest aims to project its military prowess on the international stage.
The missile test marked North Korea’s longest ballistic missile test to date, lasting 87 minutes and achieving an altitude of 7,000 km before splashing down 200 km off Japan’s coast, according to South Korean and Japanese officials.
This follows North Korea’s previous Hwasong-18 ICBM launch, with a trajectory indicating the missile could reach the U.S. mainland if launched at a normal angle.
International Concerns and Potential Military Ties
According to Shin Seung-ki, head of North Korea military research at South Korea’s Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, the ICBM test may have involved technological enhancements possibly aided by Russia.
“This support saves time and resources for North Korea, accelerating their weapons upgrades,” Shin explained.
The test follows recent discussions between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, where they denounced North Korea’s reported deployment of troops to Russia.
South Korean officials view this deployment as a risk to their own security, fearing North Korea’s combat experience could be reciprocated with Russian technology, potentially advancing North Korea’s tactical nuclear capabilities and ICBM range.
While Moscow and Pyongyang have not confirmed any military deployment, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia defended North Korea’s involvement, citing allies’ support rights for both Ukraine and Russia.