New Hwasong-18 ICBM increases Pyongyang’s nuclear readiness
PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA — North Korea’s new Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile [ICBM] will increase Pyongyang’s readiness for a nuclear counterattack. This is what Russian media claim, citing sources from North Korea and a statement by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
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Its appearance in the arsenal of the DPRK will change the defense strategy of the DPRK, giving it a more offensive character. According to the Korean Central News Agency [KCNA], this statement was made by the leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un. BulgarianMilitary.com recalls that he was present at the test launch of the new weapon.
The North Korean leader claimed that Hwaseong-18 had caused a “security crisis” for Pyongyang’s enemies, whose actions are leading to a worsening of the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korean journalists called the new missile the DPRK’s most important and powerful defense tool, serving the cause of deterring external aggression and ensuring the country’s security. The test launch of the Hwasong-18, which was personally led by the leader of the DPRK, took place yesterday, April 13th.
Kim Jong-un’s daughter was also present at the test. The launch was carried out by servicemen from the 2nd Red Banner Company of North Korea’s Main Missile Directorate. The first stage of the rocket fell into the sea 10 kilometers from the coast, and the second – 335 kilometers. The tests were successful without harming anyone.
In recent years, Pyongyang has increased tests of short-, medium- and long-range ICBMs. BulgarianMilitary.com recalls that last year there was a case in which a North Korean missile flew over the whole of Japan to land in international waters.
Tokyo has repeatedly considered North Korea and China as the countries that pose a threat to the Japanese. BulgarianMilitary.com reports that Japan has been changing its defense strategy over the past 12 months. Just a few days ago, the production of Japan’s Type 12 land-to-ship missiles was launched, as well as the development of a hypersonic missile, which will have to deal with the threats of China and North Korea.
Tokyo also announced its intention to purchase 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The selected model has a long-range – 1,600 km. Their production has already started and it is expected that by the end of 2026, the entire ordered amount will be delivered.
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