North Korea "Hwasong-19... Successful New ICBM"

Kim Jong-un Observes, Claims "Final Complete Version of ICBM Achieved"

North Korea announced that it has successfully test-fired its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-19.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Korean Central News Agency reported on the 1st that North Korea's Missile General Bureau successfully conducted a test launch of the latest ICBM on the morning of the 31st under the guidance of State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un.

When Chairman Kim approved the "test launch of the latest strategic weapon" on site, General Jang Chang-ha, head of the Missile General Bureau, issued the launch order to the 2nd Red Flag Battalion. Chairman Kim's daughter, "Juae," accompanied him during the test launch. According to the report, the Hwasong-19 ascended to a maximum apogee of 7,687.5 km, flew a distance of 1,001.2 km for 5,156 seconds (85.9 minutes), and landed in the designated target area in the East Sea's international waters.

At the launch site, Chairman Kim expressed satisfaction, saying, "By achieving a definite success in the launch of the new ICBM, we have demonstrated to the world that the hegemonic position we have secured in the development of similar nuclear delivery means is absolutely irreversible."

The agency introduced the Hwasong-19 as "the final perfected intercontinental ballistic missile to be operated together with the Hwasong-18," adding that it "will carry out its mission and duty as the primary core strategic means to defend the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, thoroughly deter acts of aggression, and reliably safeguard the nation's security."

Photos released show that North Korea launched the Hwasong-19 using a 12-axle Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL). Judging by the color and shape of the flames, it is presumed to use solid fuel.

Earlier, around 7:10 a.m. the previous day, North Korea conducted a high-angle launch of an ICBM in the Pyongyang area. The Joint Chiefs of Staff assessed that North Korea might have launched a new solid-fuel ICBM and stated that they are analyzing whether the recently revealed 12-axle TEL was used.