SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said on Monday that leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to develop more powerful offensive capabilities, days after the first intercontinental launch of ballistic missiles in more than four years.
The statement suggests North Korea could make additional launches or even test a nuclear device once it looks to modernize its arsenal and ramps up pressure on the Biden administration as nuclear diplomacy grinds to a halt. Last Thursday, the North conducted its 12th round of weapons tests this year, launching the newly developed long-range Hwasong-17, which analysts say was designed to reach anywhere on the US mainland.
During a photo shoot with scientists and others involved in the Hwasong-17 test, Kim expressed determination to build the country’s attack capacity to face threats, according to the official Korean central news agency.
“Only when one is equipped with the formidable clout, overwhelming military might that no one can stop, can one prevent war, guarantee the security of the country and contain and control all threats and blackmail by the imperialists,” according to KCNA. Kim quoted as saying.
Kim said North Korea will develop more “powerful offensive means” and also expressed his belief and expectation that his country “will more vigorously perfect the country’s deterrence against nuclear war,” KCNA said.
North Korea said the Hwasong-17 flew to a maximum altitude of 6,248 kilometers (3,880 miles) and covered 1,090 kilometers (680 miles) in a 67-minute flight before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Outside experts said if the missile is fired at a standard trajectory, flatter than the steep test angle, it could fly up to 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles), enough to reach anywhere on the US mainland and beyond.
The Hwasong-17, at about 25 meters (82 feet) in length, is the longest-range weapon from the north and, by some estimates, the world’s largest road-mobile ballistic missile system. Its size suggests the missile is intended to carry multiple warheads, as the North already has single-warhead ICBMs capable of hitting most of the US
US-led diplomacy aimed at convincing North Korea to denuclearize in exchange for economic and political benefits has largely ground to a halt since 2019. has taken steps to expand its arsenals.
Some experts say Kim could soon complete another ICBM launch, launch a satellite-carrying missile or test a nuclear device as he works to perfect his weapons technology, increase pressure on the United States and increase internal royalties. to secure.
The launch of the Hwasong-17 was the North’s most serious weapons launch since it tested a previously developed ICBM in November 2017.
