SECOND TEST THIS MONTH
Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP the test launch “appears to be an intention to assert presence ahead of the Trump administration”.
He said it could also be aimed at “destabilising South Korea during Seoul’s own period of turmoil”. Suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial over his failed martial law bid began on Tuesday.
Tuesday’s launch was Pyongyang’s second this month after it fired what it said was a new hypersonic missile system last week.
The location of the test site was undisclosed but images released by North Korean state media KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un observing last week’s launch with his teenage daughter Ju Ae.
KCNA cited the use of a “new compound of carbon fibre” in the missile’s engine, which experts warned could allow Pyongyang to hit further targets with technology to which only the United States, Russia and China currently have access.
Relations between the two Koreas have been at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles last year in violation of UN sanctions.
In response to Pyongyang’s increased capabilities, South Korea’s state arms procurement agency said on Tuesday it has begun developing a new missile defence system “aiming to intercept North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats at higher altitudes”.
The missile system will cost 567.7 billion won (US$388 million) and is scheduled to be ready by 2028, Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement.
PYONGYANG’S TIES WITH MOSCOW
Last week’s alleged hypersonic missile launch came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea.
Blinken said during that visit that Moscow was increasing cooperation with Pyongyang, adding they were working ever more closely on advanced space technology.
Ahn said another reason for Tuesday’s launch may be the testing of “missiles for export to Russia to be used in Ukraine”.
North Korea test-fired in late October what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It then fired a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles days later.
US and South Korean intelligence also believe that North Korea started in October to send thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine and has since suffered hundreds of casualties.
However, neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed that Pyongyang’s forces are fighting for Moscow.
