North Korea successfully tests solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile

Asia-Pacific, News January 16, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

North Korea announced its latest breakthrough in the pursuit of advanced weaponry on January 15, 2024, by test-firing a new hypersonic-capable ballistic missile. The missile was reportedly tipped with a hypersonic maneuverable warhead.

The launch marked the first missile test for Pyongyang for this year. According to North Korea’s state-owned media outlet KCNA, the country’s first-ever test of a solid-fuel hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), was conducted by the military on January 14, 2024.

The test was also detected by the South Korean military radars. KCNA report said that the solid-fuel IRMB was “loaded with a hypersonic maneuverable controlled warhead.” The test was meant to verify “the gliding and maneuvering characteristics” of the warhead and the “reliability of newly developed multi-stage high-thrust solid-fuel engines,” said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The report also said that the test “never affected the security of any neighboring country and had nothing to do with the regional situation.”

South Korean defense ministry, however, condemned the launch saying it will carry out an “overwhelming response” if North Korea conducts “a direct provocation” against the South.

“This behavior by North Korea is a clear provocation that violates UN Security Council resolutions banning the use of ballistic missile technology, and we issue a stern warning and strongly urge it to stop immediately,” it added in a statement.

*^{North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes the test of the country’s hypersonic missile on January 11, 2022. (Image Credit: KCNA)}*

The test comes just days after Pyongyang arranged a live-fire exercise near the country’s intense maritime border with South Korea. North Korea’s exercise was termed a reckless move by South Korean authorities which prompted counter-exercises and evacuation orders for some South Korean border islands.

Last week, North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un ordered his military to “thoroughly annihilate” South Korea and the United States if they initiate a military confrontation with North Korea. Kim made these remarks during a meeting with his top military commanders on New Year’s Eve.

Solid-fuel hypersonic missiles

North Korea’s attempt to incorporate hypersonic missile capabilities into the solid-fuel ballistic missiles has rung alarm bells across the region’s stakeholders. Solid-fuel missiles are a class of ballistic missiles equipped with a propulsion system that utilizes solid propellants.

These missiles offer several significant advantages, making them a preferred choice in various military applications. One key benefit is their operational readiness, as solid-fuel missiles can be stored for extended periods without the need for constant maintenance or refueling. This attribute ensures quick deployment in times of crisis, enhancing a nation’s strategic response capabilities.

The simplicity of the solid fuel design contributes to reliability and ease of use. With no liquid components to handle, solid-fuel missiles reduce the complexity of launch preparations, making them more user-friendly and cost-effective.

North Korea successfully test-fired a newly developed hypersonic missile “Hwasong-8” — *^{North Korea successfully test-fired hypersonic missile “Hwasong-8” on September 28, 2021. (Image Credit: KCNA)}*

Additionally, the absence of liquid propellants eliminates the risk of leaks during transport and storage, enhancing overall safety and minimizing environmental concerns. Solid fuel missiles also provide improved acceleration and increased thrust, resulting in enhanced performance during the critical phases of flight.

Hypersonic missile, on the other hand, allows the user to maneuver them during flight to better hit targets. Both technologies have long been on Kim’s list of objectives.