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Washington —
The recent launch of a Hwasong-18 by North Korea has demonstrated analysts believe that it may soon have a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can target any part of the United States. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that the test on Monday showed “the most powerful ICBM” and demonstrated the country’s nuclear strategic force. He also warned that Pyongyang will not hesitate to strike back if provoked, according to the state-run KCNA.
The test led to a joint aerial drill involving U.S. B-1B, South Korean, and Japanese fighter jets off the South Korean island of Jeju in response to the ICBM launch. This follows the previous launch of a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) the day before, making this the third consecutive year to end with North Korean missile tests.
This latest launch was the fifth ICBM test of 2023 and third Hwasong-18 test, indicating that the missile may be closer to being formally commissioned into the country’s strategic forces. Analysts believe that it can reach a maximum altitude of 6,000 km and travel a distance of 1,000 km, with the potential capability to carry a nuclear warhead.
While the missile may not be operational to the standard that the international community holds, it represents a significant development in North Korea’s missile program. The day the ICBM was launched, Pyongyang’s vice minister of foreign affairs held talks with Chinese officials, sparking calls for China to play a constructive role in persuading North Korea to end its destabilizing actions.