The projectile may be capable of flying more than 15,000km, a senior Japanese government official has warned
North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) could potentially reach US shores, according to Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Pyongyang test-launched the projectile earlier on Thursday, describing the move as a warning to its regional adversaries. While North Korean officials did not specify the type of ICBM or provide any technical details, officials in South Korea and Japan estimated its flight time at 87 minutes, with the missile reaching an altitude of up to 7,000km while traveling 1,000km horizontally. North Korea traditionally fires missiles on steep vertical paths, to test their capabilities while avoiding other countries.
At a press-briefing on Thursday afternoon, Hayashi noted that if launched horizontally, the projectile could have a much longer range.
On October 31, North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, as reported by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The specifics of the missile remain unconfirmed, but Japan’s Coast Guard indicated it could also be a ballistic missile. This development comes amid ongoing tensions and military tests, including North Korea’s recent testing of its longest intercontinental ballistic missile, showcasing the regime’s continued focus on advancing its missile capabilities.
