{"id":9450,"date":"2023-12-04T22:25:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T21:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=9450"},"modified":"2023-12-04T22:25:53","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T21:25:53","slug":"when-did-north-korea-launch-its-latest-missile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/when-did-north-korea-launch-its-latest-missile\/","title":{"rendered":"When Did North Korea Launch Its Latest Missile"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background<\/h2>\n

North Korea has been developing its missile program for decades and routinely launches test missiles. In particular, North Korea has built a number of medium to long-range ballistic missiles, some of which have been used to threaten its neighbors. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, North Korea has rapidly modernized its military capabilities and aggressively pursued its missile program.
\nThe latest missile launched by North Korea was the Hwasong-15, a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This missile was launched from Sain Ni, near the nation’s capital of Pyongyang, on November 29th, 2017. This launch marked the first time North Korea had ever tested an ICBM, and the missile flew higher and longer than any previous North Korean missile launch.<\/p>\n

Technical Specifications<\/h2>\n

The Hwasong-15 is estimated to have a range capable of reaching anywhere within the continental United States (CONUS). It is powered by a two-stage liquid fuel engine, the similarities of which are shared with the Hwasong-14 ICBM. The first stage is powered by a single-chamber, liquid-fueled engine while the second stage is powered by a larger, two-chamber engine.
\nThe missile is 105 feet long and has a diameter of 5.5 feet. It is estimated to weigh up to 80 tons, with a payload of up to 1,000 kilograms. This is significantly more than the Hwasong-14, which weighed approximately 50 tons.<\/p>\n

Global Reactions<\/h2>\n

The launch of the Hwasong-15 was met with strong condemnation from the international community, with the UN Security Council unanimously condemning the launch. This was the first launch since Kim Jong Un declared that North Korea had achieved full nuclear capability.
\nThe United States responded to the launch by re-designating North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism while imposing additional sanctions, including a travel ban and restrictions on trade. Other countries, such as South Korea and Japan, also responded by increasing their own sanctions and military posture.<\/p>\n

Analysis and Impacts<\/h2>\n

The launch of the Hwasong-15 is a significant step in North Korea’s ballistic missile program, as it is the first missile capable of reaching the continental United States. While the missile has not been tested with a dummy warhead, experts believe that it is capable of carrying a nuclear payload.
\nAnalysts believe that the launch of the Hwasong-15 has shifted the balance of power in the region, as the threat posed by the missile will likely compel South Korea and Japan to increase their reliance on the United States for protection. In addition, the increased sanctions will likely further isolate North Korea from the international community and deepen their economic struggles.<\/p>\n

Impact on Non-Proliferation Efforts<\/h2>\n