{"id":9559,"date":"2023-11-01T17:25:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T16:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=9559"},"modified":"2023-11-01T17:25:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T16:25:13","slug":"when-did-north-korea-fired-last-missile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/when-did-north-korea-fired-last-missile\/","title":{"rendered":"When Did North Korea Fired Last Missile"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background Information<\/h2>\n

North Korea is an isolated country under a dictatorial regime, which became a nuclear power in 2006 and possesses an extensive ballistic missile arsenal. Its nuclear and missile programs provoke regional insecurity, threaten peace and security across the world, as well as raise the potential for armed conflict on the Korean peninsula. In recent years, North Korea has continued to test ballistic missiles and conduct other provocations, prompting international condemnation. One of the most recent missile launches, which has been the focus of much attention, occurred on April 15, 2017.<\/p>\n

Relevant Data<\/h2>\n

The missile fired on April 15, 2017, was believed to be an intermediate-range missile, and is referred to as the KN-17, or Hwasong-12. While the launch was unsuccessfully, North Korea has since test-launched this ballistic missile successfully twice, both times in August of 2017. The KN-17 is believed to be capable of reaching the US territory of Guam, as it has a maximum range of approximately 4,500 kilometers.<\/p>\n

Perspectives from Experts<\/h2>\n

Experts believe that North Korea’s latest missile launches are an indication of their advancements in missile technology. Su Jeong Lee and William B. Brown, experts in Asia-Pacific security, wrote an article in the journal Nonproliferation Review in 2017, in which they argued that the latest missile tests had demonstrated “advances in North Korea’s ability to develop long-range missiles”, and that these advancements could be attributed to “the country’s ability to continually upgrade and develop its existing foundation of missile and nuclear technology”.
\nAnother expert, Vipin Narang, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, argued that the KN-17 is a new technology for North Korea, and marks a major advancement for the country as its range is estimated to be further than any other missile previously tested by North Korea. Narang further argued that: “North Korea’s latest tests suggest that it isclosely advancing its ability to develop new technologies, such as solid fuel-based missiles and increasingly accurate navigation systems, allowing for better maneuvering around enemy defenses and increased reliability.”<\/p>\n

Insight and Analysis<\/h2>\n

The recent missile launches by North Korea suggest an alarming increase in the countries capability to develop new missile technologies, and further threaten peace and stability beyond the Korean peninsula. While the missile responsible for the April 15, 2017 launch, failed to reach its target, the two subsequent successful tests of this weapon indicate that North Korea is continuing to make advances in missile technology faster than previously thought.
\nIt is also likely that North Korea has gained knowledge and skills from other countries, mainly Iran and Pakistan. It is likely that North Korea has been able to exploit existing trade routes to obtain help and support from other countries in the development of their nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. As long as North Korea continues to receive support from other countries, the potential for new advancements in missile technology is great, and further tests from North Korea are expected.<\/p>\n

Economic Impact<\/h2>\n