North Korea’s nuke missile programme is progressing faster than expected, warns South Korea as US vows ‘IRONCLAD’ response to Kim Jong-un
South Korean Defence Minister Han Min-koo fuels fears latest test could pave way for rocket capable of hitting US mainland
NORTH Korea's weapons programme is progressing faster than expected, Seoul has warned, with the US vowing an ‘ironclad’ response to recent missile tests.
The rogue state fired off yet another rocket over the weekend in a move viewed as cause for concern by many.
The intermediate-range missile – named the Hwasong-12 – was its longest-range rocket yet, analysts said.
And South Korea has warned the latest milestone in Kim Jong-un’s weapons programme represents a significant step forward in its capabilities.
South Korean Defence Minister Han Min-koo told the country’s parliament that Sunday's test-launch was "successful in flight".
He said of the rocket: "It is considered an IRBM (intermediate range ballistic missile) of enhanced calibre, compared to Musudan missiles that have continually failed."
Asked if the North's missile programme was developing faster than the South had expected, he said: "Yes."
Melissa Hanham of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said: “Kim Jong-un has stepped up testing compared to his father and grandfather, and it is starting to pay off.
“This is a clear indication of progress.”
Pyongyang has long had missiles that can reach targets across South Korea and Japan.
But with a range of 2,800 miles, the Hwasong-12 puts US bases on the Pacific island of Guam within reach – and could be a stepping stone to its first real long-range rocket.
Aerospace engineering specialist John Schilling said: “This is not that missile but it might be a testbed, demonstrating technologies and systems to be used in future ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles).”
He told website North 38 that Pyongyang “may be closer to an operational ICBM than had been previously estimated”.
The latest launch was the country’s tenth this year, after dozens in 2016, as it accelerates efforts to develop a missile capable of delivering a nuke to the US mainland.
US President Donald Trump has vowed that "won't happen".
And the White House vowed an “ironclad” response to the test, warning that “North Korea has been a flagrant menace for far too long”.
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