N Korea is ready to deploy, mass-produce new missile
TOKYO : North Korea said it is ready to deploy and start massproducing a new medium-range missile capable of reaching Japan and major US military bases there following a test launch it claimed had confirmed the missile’s combat readiness and is an “answer” to US President Donald Trump’s policies.
The solid-fuel Pukguksong-2 missile flew about 500 kilometers and reached a height of 560 km on Sunday before plunging into the Pacific Ocean. North Korea’s media said more missiles will be launched in the future.
Trump, travelling in Saudi Arabia, had no immediate public comment. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the launch and watched from an observation post, state media reported on Monday. The Korea Central News Agency said the test veri- fied technical aspects of the weapon system and examined its “adaptability under various battle conditions” before it is deployed to military units.
Kim reportedly said the launch was a success, “approved the deployment of this weapon system for action” and said it should “be rapidly mass-produced.”
North Korea has significantly speeded up its missile tests over the past year and appears to be making progress toward developing an arsenal that poses a threat not only to South Korea and Japan, but also toward an ICBM capable of reaching the US. AP