US Commander: North Korea Likely to Launch Improved ICBM

Terence O'Shaughnessy, US Northern Command
"Recent North Korean Engine Test Related to ICBM"
Russia Says "North Korea to Test New Weapon Soon"
Kim Jong-un Predicts 'Shocking Real Action' by Year-End

On January 2nd, Chosun Central TV aired a new documentary titled "I Will Forever Follow the Marching Path of Baekdu." The film highlighted Chairman Kim Jong Un's Baekdu lineage as he ascended Mount Baekdu, appealing to overcome difficulties with the fighting spirit inherited from previous generations.

Amid North Korea's announcement of a 'new strategic weapon' and 'shocking real actions' at the end of last year, the U.S. Northern Command commander stated that North Korea may be preparing to test-launch an improved intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

On the 13th (local time), Terence O'Shaughnessy, commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), said in a written response submitted to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee's '2021 Fiscal Year National Defense Authorization Act Review Hearing' that "North Korea may be ready to test-launch a significantly enhanced ICBM capable of threatening the U.S. mainland in times of crisis or conflict."

Commander O'Shaughnessy pointed out that North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un claimed at the Workers' Party plenary meeting held at the end of December last year that "a new strategic weapon will soon be unveiled."

He said, "Chairman Kim did not specify what the new weapon is," but added, "Recent engine tests conducted in North Korea suggest that North Korea is prepared to test-launch a much-improved ICBM capable of threatening the U.S. mainland during crises and conflicts."

Commander O'Shaughnessy evaluated that North Korea demonstrated advanced technology that could be integrated into its strategic weapons system by test-launching new short-range missiles several times last year.

He said, "North Korea has continued to threaten the U.S. with ICBMs capable of carrying nuclear warheads," and added, "The U.S. ballistic missile defense system is crucial to defending the U.S. mainland from missile attacks by North Korea or Iran."

Commander O'Shaughnessy emphasized, "If North Korea were to launch ballistic missiles toward the U.S., the ability of Northern Command and NORAD to accurately detect, identify, and track them is essential for successfully intercepting North Korean ballistic missiles."

Charles Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, who also appeared at the hearing, pointed out in a written response that "North Korea continues malicious activities that disregard international norms and foment regional instability."

Regarding North Korea's recent activities, he said, "North Korea has tested ICBM-class missiles designed to reach the U.S. and increased the number of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles."

Nevertheless, he emphasized, "Strategic Command is committed to working with like-minded regional partners to reduce military tensions and support the Department of Defense's efforts to assist our diplomats in achieving North Korea's final, fully verified denuclearization (FFVD)."

He said, "We are paying close attention to the threats posed by North Korea and Iran to the U.S., our allies, and partners, and we support ongoing international and whole-of-government approaches to reduce these threats."

He also said, "The command continues to cooperate with allies and partners worldwide to strengthen relationships, build trust, and create conditions," noting that last year it supported the signing of high-level international agreements with 17 countries, including South Korea.

Strategic Command is responsible for operating U.S. strategic nuclear weapons, while Northern Command is tasked with defending the U.S. mainland, Canada, Mexico, and the East and West Coast maritime areas.

Meanwhile, earlier on the 7th (local time), the Russian ambassador to Pyongyang predicted that North Korea would soon test a new strategic weapon. Ambassador Aleksandr Matsegora said in an interview with TASS ahead of Russia's 'Diplomat Day' (February 10), "North Korean leaders always fulfill their promises. If he said he would soon unveil a new strategic weapon, it means that this will definitely happen soon."