North Korea announced that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched the previous day was the new Hwasong-19 and referred to this ICBM as the complete version. This suggests that North Korea claims to have completed its ICBM system capable of attacking the U.S. mainland with nuclear missiles.
According to Rodong Sinmun, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test launch on Thursday morning, following his directive to the Missile General Bureau to conduct the trial. The successful launch marks a major milestone in the regime’s efforts to solidify its strategic forces’ dominance.
The missile reportedly reached a maximum altitude of 7,687.5 kilometers (4,776.8 miles), traveled 1,001.2 kilometers (622 miles), and remained in flight for 5,156 seconds (approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes) before landing in international waters in the East Sea. These figures reflect significant advancements in North Korea’s ICBM capabilities.
North Korea asserts that the Hwasong-19 is its ICBM system’s final, fully developed version. It is designed to complement the existing Hwasong-18 as part of the National Nuclear Force Construction Plan introduced during the 8th Party Congress 2021. The regime emphasized that the Hwasong-19 will serve as a key element in the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy, tasked with defending North Korea against external aggression and safeguarding its national security. This suggests that deployment plans for the missile are underway.
The article continued, “This test of the latest strategic weapon system broke new records in strategic missile capability and fully demonstrated the modernity and reliability of the Republic’s strategic deterrence, which possesses the world’s strongest power.”
Kim brought his daughter, Ju Ae, to the launch site and personally directed the entire test launch process. According to the report, he expressed satisfaction, stating, “The test launch of the new ICBM was a definite success, showing the world that the hegemonic status we have secured in the development and production of similar nuclear delivery systems is absolutely irreversible.”
He also reportedly reiterated, “The Republic reaffirms once again that it will never alter its policy of strengthening its nuclear capabilities under any circumstances.”