North Korea Conducts Longest-Ever Missile Test, Raises Tensions

North Korea says it tested solid-fuel hypersonic missile

North Korea announced on Thursday that it had conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, marking a significant advancement in its missile capabilities. The test, believed to have achieved the longest flight time for a North Korean missile, comes just days before the United States presidential election.

South Korea's intelligence agency had issued warnings that Pyongyang was planning to test an ICBM to assess its reentry technology around the time of the election. Both Japan and South Korea indicated that the missile launched could have been an ICBM.

The missile was fired at a lofted angle, flying almost vertically upwards, and traveled a distance of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Japanese authorities reported that the missile flew for about 86 minutes, reaching a possible altitude of 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles), before falling into the sea west of Okushiri Island in northern Hokkaido.

The missile test comes just before the US presidential election.

North Korea tested an ICBM, marking a significant advancement in missile capabilities.

South Korea's intelligence agency had warned of the ICBM test.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani described the flight time as the longest ever and possibly the newest missile. Seoul suggested that it could have been a new-type solid-propelled long-range ballistic missile, which could enable quicker long-range nuclear strikes compared to liquid-fueled missiles.

North Korea stated that the launch demonstrated the modernity and credibility of its strategic deterrent. The missile test was overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who referred to it as appropriate military action.

If confirmed as an ICBM, this would be North Korea's first such launch since the Hwasong-18 missile test in December 2023. The missile from Thursday's test flew higher than previous ICBM tests, showcasing its extended range capabilities.

The White House condemned the launch as a flagrant violation of UN Security Council resolutions, emphasizing the need to ensure the security of the American homeland and its allies. South Korea's military intelligence agency had also warned of potential nuclear testing by North Korea around the time of the US election.

North Korea's continuous advancements in its weapons capabilities, including the ambition to miniaturize warheads for long-range missiles, pose significant challenges to regional and global security.