On Wednesday, North Korea conducted its first test-fire of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in three months.

This action followed the country’s recent threat of “shocking” consequences in response to what it perceived as provocative United States reconnaissance activities near its territory.

According to experts, it is likely that North Korea launched its developmental Hwasong-18 ICBM, a road-mobile missile fueled by solid propellant, the Associated Press has reported.

Such missiles are more challenging to detect and intercept compared to their liquid-fueled counterparts. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has previously hailed the Hwasong-18 as the most potent weapon in his nuclear arsenal.

The missile was launched from North Korea’s capital region at around 10 a.m. It traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) with a maximum altitude of 6,000 kilometers (3,730 miles) before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

South Korean and Japanese assessments indicate that the missile was launched at a high angle, suggesting an apparent attempt to avoid flying over neighboring countries.

Written by staff