(VIDEO) Hwasong-18 Launch Reveals Pyongyang-Moscow Ballistic Missile Tech Alliance
(VIDEO) Analysts suggest that North Korea's success in launching the solid-propellant ballistic missile Hwasong-18 is a result of collaboration and technology sharing in the realm of ballistic missile technology between North Korea and Russia
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In recent days, North Korea successfully conducted another test-launched of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), “Hwasong-18”, marking the third test launch of the ICBM following similar tests on April 13 and July 12 this year.
The frequency of these test launches indicates North Korea’s desire to operationalize its latest ballistic missile as quickly as possible.
According to North Korea, all three launch tests were deemed successful, signaling the regime’s possession of another long-range ballistic missile capable of targeting any location in the United States in the event of a conflict between the two nations.
Unlike North Korea’s previous ballistic missiles, the Hwasong-18 is the country’s first solid-propellant ballistic missile, diverging from the use of liquid propellant in earlier missile designs.
The development of the Hwasong-18 represents a historic achievement for Pyongyang, showcasing a technological mastery it had not previously attained.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s success in launching the solid-propellant ballistic missile Hwasong-18 is a result of collaboration and technology sharing in the realm of ballistic missile technology between North Korea and Russia.
This is clear evidence of closer cooperation between the two countries in the development of more advanced and dangerous intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Furthermore, analysts contend that the Hwasong-18 is “nearly identical” to Russia’s Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile.
There are speculations that Moscow may have transferred technology related to the Topol-M, capable of reaching targets up to 11,000 km, to North Korea.
“The physical size and flight trajectory of the Hwasong-18 guided missile are nearly identical to Russia’s intercontinental ballistic missile, the Topol-M ICBM (SS-27 Mod 2).”
“The guided missile is equipped to overcome the United States’ anti-ballistic defense systems to launch a thermonuclear explosion on the vast land of this major power.”
If indeed North Korea and Russia are involved in cooperation and the transfer of intercontinental ballistic missile technology, it would constitute a breach of unwritten protocols prohibiting the transfer of nuclear missile attack technology.
Such collaboration and technology transfer between Moscow and Pyongyang are feared to elevate the Indo-Pacific region to a new and more dangerous level in the future. — DSA
