Military: North Korea Possesses Full ICBM Launch Capability

Defense Intelligence Agency "Adjusting Timeline to Increase Pressure on the U.S."

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Military authorities have determined that North Korea possesses full capability to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and that the possibility of launching a military reconnaissance satellite is also high.

On the 22nd, during a briefing to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, the Defense Intelligence Agency stated, "North Korea has not yet launched an ICBM at a normal angle, but it possesses full capability and is adjusting the timeline to pressure the United States," according to Rep. Yoo Sang-beom, the spokesperson for the People Power Party's Intelligence Committee. Earlier, on the 18th at 5:21 p.m., North Korea launched one ICBM 'Hwasong-15' into the East Sea. The missile flew for about an hour before landing inside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) west of Hokkaido, Japan.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Rep. Yoo also conveyed that "the Defense Intelligence Agency stated that the possibility of launching a military reconnaissance satellite is very high." Regarding the tactical nuclear weapon launch of multiple rocket launchers mentioned by the North, he said, "It is judged to be more like a ballistic missile system launch rather than a multiple rocket launcher, and it is still considered difficult to reach that stage," he explained.

Regarding North Korea's 7th nuclear test, Rep. Yoo said, "It is considered essential to conduct the 7th test to complete the miniaturization and lightening of nuclear bombs, and the possibility is also judged to be present." He added, "The third tunnel at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site is already completed enough to conduct either small or large nuclear tests, while the fourth tunnel has not yet been confirmed."

On the Chinese reconnaissance balloon, the Defense Intelligence Agency stated, "Based on analysis from U.S. intelligence agencies, it is finally judged that the balloon did not pass over South Korea," and "The balloon ascended from Hainan and, following the westerly winds at 20 to 30 km altitude, likely passed below Japan toward the South Pacific rather than over South Korea," Rep. Yoo said.

Furthermore, regarding North Korean drone infiltration, military authorities reported, "The military currently recognizes significant issues with the air defense response system and is striving to develop new countermeasures."

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