North mocks military's underestimation with 'Mach 10' flight

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]It has been identified that the speed of the ballistic missile presumed projectile launched by North Korea on the morning of the 11th was around Mach 10. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) did not disclose specifications such as range, altitude, or speed during North Korea's ballistic missile launch on the 5th, instead downplaying North Korea's announcement by stating that "the performance was exaggerated."

In a text message sent to the press corps on the afternoon of the same day, the JCS stated that the North Korean missile was launched from the Jagang Province area toward the East Sea, adding, "The flight distance is over 700 km, the maximum altitude is about 60 km, and the maximum speed is around Mach 10."

Considering that the missile launched that day had a speed of around Mach 10, this is seen as a rebuttal to the military authorities' previous harsh evaluation of North Korea's missile.

Earlier, the National Security Council (NSC) members expressed strong regret over this launch, which took place at a time when stability in the situation is crucial, according to a press release from the Blue House. The NSC's expression of "strong regret" marks an escalation compared to the "concern" expressed when North Korea launched one ballistic missile on the 5th, and it is analyzed that the military authorities' stance aligns with the somewhat changed government policy.

The members first analyzed North Korea's intent behind the consecutive missile test launches since the beginning of the year and expressed strong regret over this launch, which occurred at a time when stability in the situation is extremely important. Considering that the NSC Standing Committee only expressed "concern" during North Korea's first missile launch on the 5th, this represents a heightened level of response.

Inside and outside the military, there is growing weight to the possibility that the missile is of the same type as the hypersonic missile 'Hwasong-8' launched by North Korea in September last year. Some interpret the JCS announcement as a response to the voices of doubt raised among experts.

So far, when North Korea has launched missiles, the Ministry of National Defense has not issued separate statements but has instead responded with brief positions.

The JCS also explained, "Under close ROK-US cooperation, we are closely monitoring related trends in preparation for additional launches and maintaining a full readiness posture," adding, "Our military possesses the capability to detect and intercept this projectile and is continuously strengthening the response system."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.