The world has been focused on North Korea and the tension between the rogue regime and its neighbouring states for some time. North Korea has been actively testing missiles for years, but when is the last time that the country tested a missile? That answer depends on who you ask and when you ask them.
North Korea has been testing missiles since the early 2000s, with a period of relative calm in between 2006 and 2016. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), North Korea conducted its first successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in late 2016.This test marked the beginning of an uptick in activity from the North Korean regime, with the nation conducting 15 missile tests since then.
The most recent missile test conducted by Pyongyang occurred in October 2019. This particular missile was launched from a long range rocket switcher and flew across the country’s airspace before landing in the Sea of Japan. According to experts, the missile’s trajectory showed increased sophistication in the country’s missile development program compared to past tests.
Perhaps the most important aspect of North Korea’s missile tests is the fact that they have been banned under UN sanctions. In addition, the US, China, and other nations have put pressure on North Korea to stop launching missiles. However, despite these sanctions and warnings from other countries, North Korea has forged ahead with their missile tests, insisting that the country has the right to defend itself.
Most experts believe that North Korea is still months away from completing their long-range missile development program. Despite this, the nation’s growing arsenal of missiles has caused considerable anxiety among its neighbours and beyond, especially given the country’s increasing willingness to conduct tests in spite of international law.
North Korea’s Nuclear Capability
At the centre of the debate concerning North Korea’s missile activity is the question of the nation’s nuclear capabilities. Pyongyang has long insisted that its missiles are for defensive purposes only, but some experts believe that the country is actively working towards becoming a nuclear power. Adding to these concerns are reports that North Korea is developing nuclear warheads for its missiles, further raising the stakes for the international community.
Recent reports from the UN also indicate that North Korea has secretly developed technology which allows it to enrich uranium for use in nuclear weapons. This means that Pyongyang now has the technical capability to produce nuclear weapons, which could be delivered using its long-range missiles.
However, without further tests, it is difficult to predict when North Korea may have the capability to deliver a nuclear warhead. For now, the best the international community can do is continue to monitor the situation and hope that Pyongyang reconsiders following through with its missile tests.
Missile Defense Systems
In light of North Korea’s growing missile capabilities, countries throughout the region have started to invest in defensive systems that are designed to intercept Kim Jong Un’s missiles. In South Korea and Japan, for example, the US is deploying state-of-the-art missile defense systems that can detect and destroy incoming projectiles.
These sophisticated missile defense systems are capable of defending entire regions from North Korean missiles, as well as other threats from around the world. However, given the threat posed by Pyongyang’s nuclear activity, some experts believe that these systems are not enough to protect the region from potential nuclear strikes.
Only time will tell if North Korea’s missile tests will continue and if the nation will eventually develop a nuclear weapon. For now, the only thing that is certain is that the crisis on the Korean peninsula is likely to remain a source of tension in the international community for some time to come.
International Response
The international response to North Korea’s missile tests have been generally unified, with the US and its allies condemning Pyongyang’s actions. The US has specifically condemned the October 2019 missile test and urged the international community to work together to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
In addition to condemning North Korea’s missile activity, the US is also taking steps to increase economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime. Most recently, the US increased sanctions on North Korean companies and individuals, as well as imposing a ban on imports of North Korean coal and other goods.
Despite the increased sanctions, however, it is unclear whether the US and its allies will be able to persuade the North Korean regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Until then, North Korea’s missile tests will continue to be a source of fear and concern for the international community.
Impact of Missile Tests
The frequent missile tests conducted by North Korea have had a profound effect on the country’s neighbours and beyond. In South Korea and Japan, for example, the increased tension has led to increased military spending and a heightened sense of insecurity.
Among other things, the crises has pushed South Korea to improve its missile defense systems and invest in the US-led missile defense system. In Japan, the government has stepped up its military activities in the region, conducting joint-military drills with other Pacific countries in preparation for a potential conflict with North Korea.
In addition to the physical and military implications, the missile tests have also had a negative effect on the North Korean economy. The US and other countries have imposed crippling economic sanctions on Pyongyang, making it increasingly difficult for the country to conduct business with other nations.
Furthermore, North Korea’s missile tests have further soured the already strained relationship between the US and its allies. Many countries, particularly the US and South Korea, have blamed Pyongyang for stoking tensions in the region, further exacerbating existing divisions between the countries.
Implications for the Future
The future of the Korean Peninsula remains uncertain, as North Korea continues its missile tests and the US and its allies look on with increasing concern. The tensions between the US, South Korea and North Korea are unlikely to abate anytime soon, and it is unclear if the diplomatic efforts thus far have been sufficient to make meaningful progress.
At the same time, the frequency of North Korea’s missile tests suggests that the country is making steady progress in developing its ballistic missiles. If left unchecked, the country’s ongoing development could lead to a nuclear armed North Korea, an event that would have implications for the region and beyond.
Simmering tensions on the Korean Peninsula further increase the need for the US, South Korea, and the international community to cooperate and come to a diplomatic solution. Until then, the world will have to wait and see what the future holds for North Korea and the region.
