North Korea conducted a ballistic missile test into the Sea of Japan, following recent developments in its missile technology.
Missile Launch
- The South Korean military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the ballistic missile launch on Tuesday.
- This launch occurred shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a successful test of a solid-fuel engine for a new-type intermediate-range hypersonic missile.
Confirmation by Japan
- Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported that it “appeared” North Korea had fired the missile.
- The country’s coastguard indicated that they believed the missile had fallen.
Previous Tests
- This is the third ballistic missile test conducted by North Korea this year.
- Earlier tests included a solid-fuel missile overseen by Kim in March and another with a manoeuvrable hypersonic warhead in January.
Missile Capabilities
- North Korea claimed last year to have successfully tested its first solid-fuelled ICBM, marking a significant advancement in its nuclear counterattack capabilities.
- Solid-fuel missiles offer advantages such as not needing to be fueled before launch, making them harder to detect and quicker to deploy.
North Korean Posturing
- North Korea has escalated tensions this year by declaring South Korea its “principal enemy”, dismantling agencies dedicated to reunification efforts, and making threats of war over territorial disputes.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
- When did North Korea conduct the ballistic missile test?
- A) Last year
- B) Two weeks ago
- C) Tuesday
- D) In March
- Which country’s coastguard believed that the missile had fallen?
- A) South Korea
- B) China
- C) Japan
- D) Russia
- What is a notable advantage of solid-fuel missiles mentioned in the passage?
- A) They are slower to use
- B) They require fueling before launch
- C) They are easier to detect
- D) They do not need to be fueled before launch
- What significant posturing has North Korea adopted this year, as mentioned in the passage?
- A) Pursuing peace talks with South Korea
- B) Declaring South Korea its principal ally
- C) Threatening war over territorial disputes
- D) Initiating reunification efforts