North Korea has recently showcased its latest Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, marking a significant milestone in its missile program. Officially launched on October 31, the missile set new records for North Korean ballistic capabilities. According to flight data, the Hwasong-19 missile reached an impressive altitude of 7,687.5 km and sustained a flight duration of 86 minutes. These details align closely with reports from both Tokyo and Seoul.
During this test, the missile was launched on a maximum ballistic trajectory, resulting in a limited range of 1,001 km. However, military analysts estimate that if launched on a standard combat trajectory, the Hwasong-19 missile could reach distances exceeding 17,000 km, making it capable of striking nearly every region globally, save for parts of South America.
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Visually, the Hwasong-19 missile bears a striking resemblance to russia’s Yars missile, raising questions about its origins. North Korea’s missile appears to incorporate advanced russian technologies, suggesting either a full replication or a modified design for extended range and payload capacity.
This ICBM is a three-stage solid-fuel missile launched from a mobile platform, exhibiting features that indicate a sophisticated understanding of missile technology. For instance, aerodynamic brakes facilitate smooth stage separation, and a released image hints at multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) capabilities, further supporting suspicions of russian influence in its development.
Additionally, the Hwasong-19 missile employs an 11-axle mobile platform, a notable upgrade from the 9-axle platform used by its predecessor, the Hwasong-18 missile. This alteration suggests an increase in size and weight, possibly linked to its enhanced capabilities.
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