North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a threat of “more offensive actions” in response to what he perceives as increasing military threats led by the United States. Kim made this statement after overseeing the third test of North Korea’s most advanced missile designed for striking the mainland U.S.
This suggests Kim’s confidence in his growing missile arsenal, signaling potential continued weapons testing ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Following the launch of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, Kim emphasized North Korea’s capability to respond to any perceived wrong decision by the United States. He stressed the need to counter military threats forcefully, indicating a commitment to further offensive actions.
The Hwasong-18 ICBM is considered North Korea’s most powerful weapon, featuring solid-fuel propulsion that makes launches less detectable. Although Kim expressed “great satisfaction” with the launch, experts note that North Korea still faces technological challenges for reliable nuclear-tipped ICBMs.
The missile, launched at a high angle to avoid neighboring countries, covered a distance of 1,002 kilometers for 73.5 minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 6,518 kilometers before landing off North Korea’s east coast. Despite the technological progress, observers believe North Korea must conduct more substantial tests to demonstrate effective missiles targeting the U.S. mainland.
Kim’s statement also referenced a recent U.S.-South Korean meeting, revealing plans for joint drills simulating a nuclear attack on North Korea. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the formation of a “nuclear-based, powerful Korea-U.S. alliance.”
North Korea’s frequent ballistic missile tests, totaling over 100 since 2022, aim to upgrade its nuclear arsenal and gain concessions from the U.S. The country has avoided fresh international sanctions due to China and Russia’s opposition to U.N. efforts to toughen sanctions. Japan is coordinating with Washington and Seoul to discuss North Korea’s latest launch at a United Nations Security Council meeting.
While the U.S., South Korea, and Japan strengthen their security cooperation, North Korea perceives these partnerships as a security threat and seeks closer ties with China and Russia. There are suspicions that North Korea receives advanced weapons technologies from Russia in exchange for supplying conventional arms to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
