North Korea Tests First Ever Solid-Fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM

The test-fire of the Hwasong-18 came just days after a meeting of North Korea’s Central Military Commission chaired by Kim Jung-un. According to state media, the North Korean leader quoted “the ever-worsening security on the Korean Peninsula” and urged authorities to expand nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Kim Jong-un made aims to bring his army up to international standards.

North Korea began its nuclear program at the end of Cold War with easier-to-master liquid-fuel missiles and this gave it an edge in security. The fact that the country was able to launch its first-ever solid-fuel ICBM implies that Kim’s missile program is progressing.

The launch of solid-fueled ICBMs can be initiated in a matter of minutes since the missile can be fueled during manufacturing.

On the other hand, ICBMs based on liquid fuel technology will need to undergo an hour-long fueling process at the launch site. It gives the adversary time to detect and eliminate the missile.

The liquid-fuel ICBMs were instrumental for deterring the US since they could reach American territory and this prevented Washington from openly aggressive steps toward Pyongyang. However, now North Korea is taking a step forward and seriously improving its missiles.

Solid-fuel ICBMs enforce North Korean strategic deterrence allowing Pyongyang to inspire “extreme angst and fear” in its opponents, as Kim Jong-un put it.

As experts stress, North Korea is following the technological footsteps of the Soviet Union, the US, China, Israel and India.

Pyongyang was always concerned that someday the US will attack and wipe out all North Korean nukes before there is a chance of retaliatory strike.

Now, Kim Jong-un is sending the West a powerful message that he has the imminent ability to strike back or even strike first if he deems necessary.

Experts believe that, taking into account US activities in the region, more tests are to come.