North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday in what has become its longest recorded missile flight, signaling a marked escalation in the nation's weapons development amid strained global relations and just weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election. According to South Korean and Japanese military authorities, the missile, fired from near Pyongyang, achieved a flight time of 87 minutes, surpassing North Korea's previous record and demonstrating an alarming theoretical range that could reach the U.S. mainland.
The missile traveled approximately 620 miles before landing in waters off the coast of Japan's northern Hokkaido region, raising immediate concerns among U.S. allies South Korea and Japan. Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani remarked that the missile followed a "lofted trajectory," meaning it was fired almost vertically, enabling it to reach an altitude of around 4,350 miles. This type of trajectory, experts note, allows North Korea to gather data on missile stability and atmospheric re-entry - crucial for any long-range offensive capabilities.
"North Korea's ICBM launch is a flagrant violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions," stated Sean Savett, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council. He added that while the missile test did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. or allied territories, it "needlessly raises tensions" in the already volatile region.
The launch comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ramped up aggressive rhetoric against both South Korea and Japan, key U.S. allies in the region. "This test-fire is an appropriate military action that meets the purpose of informing our rivals of our counteraction will," Kim told state-run media, claiming it demonstrated North Korea's "will to respond" to perceived provocations.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) indicated that North Korea may have incorporated a new solid-fuel booster into its missile, potentially signaling a leap in Pyongyang's missile capabilities. This hypothesis aligns with South Korean intelligence suggesting that North Korea has completed preparations for a seventh nuclear test, with intentions of showcasing a long-range missile potentially capable of striking the continental U.S.
The timing of North Korea's launch raises suspicions that it may be an attempt to influence the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5. "There's no doubt that North Korea has the U.S. and its upcoming election in mind," noted Tokuda Ryosuke, a journalist specializing in North Korea for Japan's state broadcaster NHK.
The latest missile test also underscores North Korea's deepening ties with Russia, as NATO and Pentagon officials estimate that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to Russia's eastern regions, purportedly to support Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence reports suggest that more than 3,000 of these troops have been moved close to combat zones in western Russia, with North Korean forces donning Russian uniforms and carrying Russian equipment.
Speaking at a press conference in Washington alongside South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned North Korea's apparent support for Russia, describing it as "a dangerous and destabilizing development." Austin underscored that such actions, paired with North Korea's missile testing, reflect Pyongyang's willingness to "respond to strength with strength."
Shin Seung-ki, a North Korea expert with the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, suggested that North Korea's recent missile developments may have benefited from Russian assistance. "Improved booster performance and enhanced stability in North Korea's missile systems suggest they're leveraging external support, likely from Russia," he said. Shin noted that the missile launch might be intended as a show of resilience in the face of global pressure and as a strategic move to demonstrate its influence on the U.S. presidential race.
Japan's government expressed heightened concern over North Korea's progress in missile development. "It was the longest time flying of any missile so far," Defense Minister Nakatani told reporters. Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, emphasized the need for increased vigilance as North Korea continues to expand its missile capabilities.
The recent missile test underscores North Korea's growing nuclear arsenal, which the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates includes around 50 nuclear warheads. By comparison, the U.S. and Russia hold more than 10,500 warheads combined, with roughly 1,700 "deployed" and ready for immediate use. North Korea's continued testing of ICBMs suggests an ongoing commitment to achieving long-range strike capabilities, adding to regional and global security concerns.
