North Korea said on Friday (April 14) it has tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 to "radically promote" the country's nuclear counterattack capability, state media reported, warning of "extreme uneasiness and horror" to enemies, Reuters reports.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a new model ballistic missile on Thursday (April 13), South Korea said, triggering a scare in northern Japan, where Hokkaido residents were initially told to take cover. The missile, fired from near Pyongyang, flew about 1,000 km (620 miles) before landing in waters east of North Korea, officials said.
Still photographs carried by the state media KCNA showed the missile being launched under the guidance of leader Kim Jong Un with his daughter Kim Ju Ae featuring prominently. His wife and sister were also seen in one of the photographs.
KCNA said the new-type ICBM Hwasong-18 would reform “the strategic deterrence components” of the North and promote “the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack posture.” Analysts said it would mark the North's first use of solid propellants in an intermediate-range or intercontinental ballistic missile.
Developing a solid-fuel ICBM has long been seen as a key goal for North Korea, as it could help the North deploy its missiles faster in the event of a war.
