Pentagon says North Korean missiles that can hit US may soon be in production
North Korea may be moving towards producing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the US. According to Air Force General Gregory Guillot, head of US Northern Command, Kim Jong-un's regime likely possesses the capability to deliver a nuclear payload to targets across North America. This assessment is based on the shortened launch preparation times enabled by North Korea's solid-propellant missile designs, minimizing the US's pre-launch warning capabilities.
Guillot highlighted the October test launch of the Hwasong-19 ICBM, which utilizes solid fuel, allowing for faster deployment and launch preparation compared to liquid-propellant missiles. He suggested that North Korea's rhetoric indicates a desire to transition its strategic weapons program from research and development to mass production, potentially expanding its inventory rapidly. While questions remain within the US military regarding the ICBM's ability to withstand the rigors of launch, flight, and atmospheric descent with a nuclear warhead, Guillot's comments are likely to fuel support for enhanced missile defense systems, such as an "Iron Dome" umbrella, to protect the US from potential attacks.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
North Korea may be moving towards producing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the US. According to Air Force General Gregory Guillot, head of US Northern Command, Kim Jong-un's regime likely possesses the capability to deliver a nuclear payload to targets across North America. This assessment is based on the shortened launch preparation times enabled by North Korea's solid-propellant missile designs, minimizing the US's pre-launch warning capabilities.
Guillot highlighted the October test launch of the Hwasong-19 ICBM, which utilizes solid fuel, allowing for faster deployment and launch preparation compared to liquid-propellant missiles. He suggested that North Korea's rhetoric indicates a desire to transition its strategic weapons program from research and development to mass production, potentially expanding its inventory rapidly. While questions remain within the US military regarding the ICBM's ability to withstand the rigors of launch, flight, and atmospheric descent with a nuclear warhead, Guillot's comments are likely to fuel support for enhanced missile defense systems, such as an "Iron Dome" umbrella, to protect the US from potential attacks.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
