North Korea is believed to have test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile towards the East Sea, making it the longest flight-time yet for a North Korean missile. The missile was launched on a lofted trajectory, allowing it to travel to a high altitude before landing a short horizontal distance from the launch site. Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani stated that this missile had the longest flight time of any missile launched by North Korea so far.
This missile launch comes after South Korea’s military intelligence agency suggested that North Korea is ready for its seventh nuclear test and close to test-firing a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States. Additionally, concerns have been raised about North Korea’s reported troop dispatch to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed his concerns about North Korean troops wearing Russian uniforms moving towards Ukraine, calling it a dangerous and destabilizing development. South Korea reports that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, with more than 3,000 of them positioned close to the fighting in western Russia.
The last ballistic missile launch by North Korea was in September, and the last ICBM launch was in December 2023. The latest missile launch adds to the ongoing tension in the region, as North Korea continues to develop its missile and nuclear capabilities.
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