What Is the Maximum Range of North Korean Missiles?
North Korea’s missile technology is often referred to as a ‘looming threat’ given the country’s history of aggression. It has conducted numerous missile tests, most widely reported being on July 4th, 2017 when it tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) named Hwasong-14. Ever since, the question of how far North Korea’s missiles can reach has been a matter of worry for world leaders.
Experts agree that technological advancements have increased the maximum distance a missile can fly, meaning North Korea has the capability to hit any target within the range of its arsenal. With each test, the range of the missiles have increased significantly.The latest missile test conducted in 2017 had a maximum range of around 4,000 kilometres.
In addition to carrying sophisticated hardware, missiles can also be updated with software, which can help increase or extend its range. Hence, it is possible that North Korean missiles can reach targets further than 4,000 kilometres away. However, there is no concrete evidence to indicate the exact range of their missiles.
Opposing forces have speculated North Korea could potentially develop a missile with a range of up to 7,500 kilometres. This would enable it to target cities in the United States such as New York and Los Angeles. Assumingly, such a missile would also have the potential to reach other cities located further off such as Rome, Moscow and London.
Analysts have also suggested that North Korea may have the capability to create a missile with a range of up to 12,000 kilometres. Such a missile could theoretically target any imaginable target throughout the world, including all of mainland U.S.A.
Level of Threat and Global Impact
At the moment, experts agree that the level of threat posed by North Korea is manageable, though it is important to note that the situation is volatile and the country could become more aggressive in the near future. Nevertheless, the current state of affairs between North and South Korea is relatively peaceful and there is no immediate danger of a military escalation.
While North Korea may not pose an immediate threat, the advancement of its missile technology and the potential for further range is a cause for global concern. Even if North Korea does not decide to launch any further weapons tests, the advancements made in its missile technology could be sold or shared with other countries with hostile intentions.
The threat from North Korea’s missiles has forced other nations to take preventative steps. Countries like the U.S., Japan and South Korea are developing sophisticated anti-missile defense systems to protect their territory in the event of a North Korean attack. In addition, international sanctions have been placed on North Korea to try and limit or restrict its ability to access materials that could be used to build missiles.
North Korean Responses to Missiles Tests
When North Korea has conducted missile tests, it has sought to defend its actions and proclaim its right to defend itself militarily. The country has argued that it has the right to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities to achieve self-preservation and national security.
North Korean officials have also tried to downplay the threat posed by their missiles, asserting that the tests are solely for defensive purposes and not for targeting other countries. Such an argument justifies why the nation has conducted so many tests, and why their missiles have been tested far greater distances than their more immediate neighbours.
The international community has condemned North Korea for its actions and has sought to dissuade it from further missile tests by enacting sanctions. Despite this, the country still insists it will continue to test its weapons and exercise its right to self-preservation.
Failed Tests and Sanctions on North Korea
Not all of North Korea’s missile tests have been successful, as numerous launches have failed. This has been attributed to a variety of factors such as technical issues, weather and sanctions. The country’s limited access to materials and technology due to international sanctions has hindered its ambition to reach their desired level of range.
Sanctions have had a major impact on North Korea’s ability to acquire much-needed materials and technology. These restrictions have not just hindered the nation’s missile development, but have had a negative impact on the country’s already struggling economy.
The effect sanctions have had on North Korea have been significant. This can be seen in some of the more recent missile tests which have had shorter ranges than those conducted in 2017. This has made the country’s efforts to reach the maximum limit of its missile range all the more difficult.
Political and Social Ramifications
North Korea’s missile tests not only have far-reaching political repercussions but also social and economic ones. The imposition of sanctions has made life more difficult for the North Korean people, impacting the distribution of food, medical and other essential supplies. In addition, the threat of war has caused fear and panic among the civilian population.
North Korea’s nuclear and missile development has also had a political reverberation throughout East Asia. The tense political relationship between North and South Korea, and North Korea’s increasingly aggressive attitude towards its neighbours, has caused the other countries of the region to become more vigilant and prepared, with many bolstering their militaries and developing their own defense mechanisms.
The threat posed by North Korea’s advancement in missile technology has not just been a source of worry for its more immediate neighbours, but has also impacted other countries such as the U.S. and Japan. As such, both countries have taken an active approach to addressing the issue, drafting sanctions imposed on North Korea and negotiating with the nation’s representatives.
International Open Discourse
North Korea’s nuclear and missile development has drawn much international attention, with many countries actively participating in attempts to bring about a peaceful negotiation. Several countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea and China have participated in various talks and diplomatic initiatives with the North Korean government in an effort to seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The international community has also proposed a number of different plans in order to limit the threat posed by North Korea’s missiles. This includes the cessation of weapons tests, the denuclearisation of the country, and the implementation of stringent international sanctions. However, the North Korean government has yet to accept any of these proposals.
The now years-long dispute between North Korea and the international community has been difficult to resolve. North Korea has sought to leverage its military capabilities for diplomatic leverage, making it difficult for other nations to negotiate with the country. Despite such a situation, many countries still aspire for a diplomatic resolution to the dispute.
Proposed Solutions
Various countries have proposed solutions to the problem surrounding North Korea’s missiles. South Korea has proposed a “peaceful coexistence” initiative which is aimed at easing the tensions between North and South Korea and preventing the further development of North Korea’s missile capabilities. Such plans involve diplomatic concessions such as economic aid packages and an easing of international sanctions.
The United States and China have both proposed different plans to address the issue. The U.S. has offered North Korea a comprehensive deal which would involve the lifting of international sanctions in exchange for the complete dismantlement of the country’s nuclear weapons program. China, on the other hand, has proposed a more gradual approach, which focuses on negotiations and diplomatic initiatives.
It is clear that the issue of North Korea’s missile threat is a complex one, and a solution is far from being achieved. All parties involved in the dispute should strive to continue negotiations and come to a peaceful resolution in order to ensure the safety of their respective countries.
Missile Defense Systems
In the wake of North Korea’s increasing missile capabilities, many countries have developed extensive defense systems in order to protect their territories. These systems range from homemade anti-missile systems such as South Korea’s K-Missile, to large-scale networks such as the U.S.’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense system.
These systems are designed to intercept any missiles launched by North Korea, and have been tested to demonstrate their efficacy. Such tests have provided the international community with the assurance that the systems are capable of defending the countries’ territories in the event of a North Korean attack.
Though missile defense systems are an effective way to protect countries from North Korea’s missiles, it is also important for the international community to work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute. Diplomatic negotiations and initiatives are essential for resolving the issue as well as addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Human Rights Implications
Apart from the political implications of North Korea’s missile tests, the launches also have dire implications on the country’s human rights situation. The country has long been accused of severe human rights violations, with reports of torture, imprisonment, starvation and persecution of dissidents being commonplace. The North Korean government has also sought to restrict the flow of information within the country in an attempt to control the population.
The current situation of political tensions between North and South Korea has made the situation even worse. As the two countries have become increasingly militarized, the North Korean government has become more oppressive in order to maintain control. This has included the further restriction of freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
The international community has highlighted the dire situation in North Korea and has sought to pressure the country to change its ways. Various countries and international organizations have offered diplomatic advice, economic aid and political recognition in an effort to urge the North Korean government to improve its human rights record.
