North Korea’s New ICBM: Propaganda or Strategic Capability?

North Korea’s New ICBM: Propaganda or Strategic Capability?

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News
On November 1, 2024, North Korea announced the successful test launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), claimed to be “the world’s strongest.” This announcement has raised concerns and global attention, especially regarding North Korea’s advancing missile capabilities and regional security dynamics. Despite North Korea’s grand statements, international defence experts have raised doubts, suggesting that the missile’s size may limit its practical use in conflict scenarios.

About Hwasong-19:

The Hwasong-19 is notably large, with estimates suggesting it could be up to 28 meters in length. This size impacts its mobility, making it more detectable and less likely to survive pre-emptive strikes.

Range: The missile is designed to potentially target the U.S. mainland, similar to its predecessor, Hwasong-18, which was capable of reaching over 13,000 km.

Likely equipped with solid-fuel technology, Hwasong-19 allows for faster launches compared to liquid-fuelled models, making it harder to intercept.

Analysts believe Hwasong-19 may carry multiple warheads, increasing its potential for evading missile defence systems.

The missile’s large size makes it easier for adversaries to detect, potentially compromising its effectiveness in a real conflict scenario.

About Intercontinental ballistic missile:

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a missile with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery.

Conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but have never been deployed on ICBMs.

Countries that have ICBMs: India, Russia, the United States, North Korea, China, Israel, the United Kingdom and France.

ICBMs are differentiated by having greater range and speed than other ballistic missiles.

Short and medium-range ballistic missiles are known collectively as the theatre ballistic missiles.

Types of ballistic missiles based on the range:

Short-range (tactical) ballistic missile (SRBM): Range between 300 km and 1,000 km.

Medium-range (theatre) ballistic missile (MRBM): 1,000 km to 3,500 km.

Intermediate-range (Long-Range) ballistic missile (IRBM or LRBM): 3,500 km and 5,500 km.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): 5,500 km +.

Ballistic missiles of India: Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, Prithvi and Trishul.