North Korea’s Frightening New Arsenal
2022.12.20 02:25
North Korea’s Frightening New Arsenal
By Ray Johnson
Budrigannews.com – Analysts say that North Korea has developed the capability of hitting almost anywhere on Earth with a ballistic missile alongside a variety of shorter-range weapons through extensive testing, including a record number of launches in 2022.
In Spring and November, North Korea sent long range rockets taking off in excess of 6,000 km (3,700 miles) into space. A weapon that was made to hit another continent or even deliver multiple warheads was shown by the high-flying trajectories.
In addition, Pyongyang has tested at least three intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) over Japan. One of these flights took place on October 4, and the missile, which may have been a variant of the intermediate-range Hwasong-12, landed approximately 3,200 kilometers beyond Japan in the Pacific Ocean.
There are numerous concerns regarding the reliability and capability of the North’s largest missiles: It appears that at least some launches have failed, and it has yet to fully demonstrate key technologies that ensure a nuclear warhead survives its fiery descent through the atmosphere.
However, experts claim that North Korea’s flurry of testing demonstrates that it is fine-tuning missiles that could be used in a conflict and has no intention of giving them up.
North Korea asserts that the development of ballistic missiles is an authorized exercise of its sovereign right to defend itself from external threats, including hostile U.S. policy. It has also stated that it rejects U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit missile and nuclear programs as violating its sovereign rights. As a sovereign nation, it has also asserted that it is entitled to space exploration.
Analysts assert that North Korea has been investing resources in shorter-range systems as well, despite the fact that long-range weapons receive more attention.
Pyongyang launched new and increasingly capable short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) in 2019 after historic denuclearization talks between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump failed. Many of the SRBMs can maneuver to confuse missile defenses.
According to analysts, short-range weapons help it prepare for a potential conflict with its neighbors, particularly South Korea, which is home to approximately 28,500 American troops. It appears that short-range missiles have performed best in North Korea’s testing program.
Additionally, the North has tested new submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), “hypersonic” missiles, and SRBMs for “tactical” nuclear attacks.
Since the beginning of 2022, the United States and South Korea have expressed concern that North Korea may resume its nuclear testing for the first time since 2017. It might be able to perfect smaller nuclear warheads that can fit on a variety of missiles, according to analysts.
According to a recent report from Seoul’s Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, Hwang Ildo, “Kim announced plans to develop weapons systems ranging from tactical nuclear weapons to a nuclear-powered submarine and is ticking the boxes on his weapons wishlist through a series of tests.”
Tactical nuclear weapons’ warheads have less explosive power but are designed for use on the battlefield, targeting specific targets close to the launch point.
Focusing on U.S. bases in South Korea with such weapons checks out on the grounds that the North Korean military needs more ordinary warheads to seriously harm such offices and forestall a customary U.S. strike on North Korea, said Duyeon Kim, a North Korea master at the U.S.- based Place for Another American Security.
She stated, “It would now be able to do so, while reserving its ICBMs and thermonuclear bombs to deter the United States from retaliatory destruction of North Korea.”
More everyday innovation, for example, rocket fuel is likewise going through extreme testing in North Korea. A particular focus is on solid fuel, which would make it possible for missiles, including ICBMs, to be launched without warning.
On December 16, scientists in North Korea put what they called a “high-thrust” solid-fuel motor through its paces in an apparent effort to perfect a large ICBM engine.
More Japan and U.S. increasing their military presence near North Korea
Hwang wrote, “One of Kim Jong Un’s objectives… is to develop an ICBM propelled by solid-fuel engines. If North Korea succeeds, it will become difficult for the United States to defend against Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal, as signs of an ICBM launch using solid-fuel engines are difficult to detect early.”
