HWASONG-18
ICBM – DEFENCE & SECURITY
News:
Why
North Korea has tested Hwasong-18, a new solid-fueled intercontinental
ballistic missile
What's
in the news?
● North
Korea tested its latest Hwasong-18 Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM),
the country’s state media reported. This ICBM is the first to use solid
propellants.
Hwasong-18
ICBM:
● Hwasong-18
is a three stage solid-fuelled
intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM) developed by North Korea.
● It
is North Korea’s first ICBM to use solid fuels which allows for faster launch.
● It
was first unveiled in the February 2023 parade commemorating the 75th
anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army.
● The
Hwasong-18’s 74 minutes flight time was the longest ever for a North Korean
missile test.
● Hwasong-18
allows faster development of missiles during a year.
● It
has the potential to greatly enhance the effectiveness of their nuclear
retaliatory posture and influence their offensive military strategy.
● Solid
fueled ICBMs such as the Hwasong-18 can be prepared for launch more quickly
than their liquid fueled counterparts as they do not require time-consuming
fueling procedures.