N. Korea claims successful launch of new IRBM tipped with hypersonic warhead
Korea HeraldMAR 23 2024
North Korea Tests New Alleged Hypersonic Missile
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The Facts
North Korean state media reported on Wednesday that a new hypersonic solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), the Hwasong-16B, was successfully tested.
Launched off its east coast on Tuesday, the projectile landed in the waters between Pyongyang and Japan after flying 372 miles (598 km), according to the South Korean military.
While this flight performance is inferior to the 621 miles (999 km) that North's official media reported, Seoul conceded that Pyongyang has improved its technologies. It's unclear, however, whether the warheads can survive atmospheric re-entry.
The Spin
Pro-North Korea narrative
Though Kim may seem like an irrational actor, he's simply using the only leverage he has in dealing with South Korea and the US. His nuclear ambitions are designed to seek political gains and sanctions relief after successive American administrations derailed diplomatic routes to denuclearization.
Anti-North Korea Narrative
Although analysis of this missile test is ongoing, Pyongyang's actions must be condemned and North Korea must pay a price for continuing to advance its missile technology. If the North is hoping to impact South Korea's upcoming elections, it's probably out of luck because this launch wasn't that impressive.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
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