N Korean missile passes test with capability to strike US

THE ballistic missile launched by North Korea earlier this month successfully re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, according to analysts, marking a significant breakthrough for Pyongyang’s missile programme.

Defence officials in South Korea and the US have confirmed that the launch of the liquid-fuel Hwasong-12 was a success.

North Korea claimed that the weapon reached an altitude of 1,312 miles before breaching Japan’s Air Defence Identification Zone and splashing down in the Sea of Japan 489 miles from its starting point.

The missile took a steep parabolic route that tested its ability to survive re-entry into the atmosphere.

North Korean state media reported that the missile – capable of carrying a “large-size, heavy nuclear warhead” to a target on the US mainland – had come through “the worst re-entry situation” and struck its intended target.

That claim was confirmed by South Korean government sources, who told the JoongAng Daily that analysis of data communication from North Korea’s missile control centre revealed the warhead survived 9,032F (5,000C) and extreme vibration on re-entry. US de- fence officials have similarly confirmed to NBC News that the test was a success.

Analysts have long considered the largest challenges to North Korea’s ballistic missile programme to be achieving re-entry and miniaturising a nuclear warhead so it can be mounted on a missile.

After numerous test launches, North Korean scientists have already mas- tered long-range guidance and control capabilities, while a series of underground tests have demonstrated that the regime of Kim Jong-un has acquired nuclear weapons.

As a result of the latest North Korean test, US authorities have decided to extend the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson and its strike group in the Sea of Japan. The fleet – described as an “armada” by President Donald Trump – is scheduled to carry out manoeuvres with South Korean warships.