North Korea's latest missile test breaks records as global tensions rise
North Korea conducted its longest-ever ICBM test while facing criticism over helping Russia in Ukraine. The test comes just days before US election as international community expresses deep worry
In a show of military might Kim Jong Un watched North Koreaʼs newest ICBM soar for 87-minutes breaking previous flight-time records. The test which happened early morning showed off what Pyongyang calls its most powerful strategic weapon
The test-fire is an appropriate military action that fully meets the purpose of informing the rivals of our counteraction will
The missile reached a height of 7000km and flew about 1000km before landing near Japanʼs Okushiri island (using whats known as a lofted trajectory to avoid international waters). The test comes as North Korea faces worldwide criticism for sending troops to help Russia: experts say about 11000 soldiers are now in Russian territory with 3000 near Ukraineʼs border
The timing isnt random - happening just 5 days before US presidential elections and right after South Koreaʼs defense minister met with US officials in Washington. Seoulʼs military experts think the launch tested new booster tech possibly gotten from Moscow in exchange for military help
Technical details show this missile could be an upgrade to last winters Hwasong-18 test which flew for 73-minutes. If shot normally the missile might reach up to 15000km making all US mainland reachable
South Koreaʼs defense ministry warned that helping Russia could give Pyongyang access to advanced tech including:
- Tactical nuclear weapons
- Advanced missile systems
- Military satellites
- Submarine tech
Russiaʼs UN rep questioned why North Korea cant help Moscow while western countries support Ukraine - neither country directly admits to their military deal though. South Korean experts think the North wants to show it wont give in to international pressure
