A leading military expert has warned that North Korea is about to launch an intercontinental nuclear missile capable of reaching the US
Jeffrey Lewis has stated that Kim Jong-un’s regime has been developing a warhead that is capable of reentering the Earth’s atmosphere without burning up – a problem that had previously been able to overcome
Mr. Lewis said: “North Korea almost certainly has a compact fission warhead capable of fitting on a future ICBM.”
“The major question now is not whether the warhead is small enough to mount on an ICBM but whether it is rugged enough to survive the shock, vibration and extreme temperatures that a nuclear warhead would experience on an intercontinental trajectory, in which it would be shot into space and then re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.”
“The warhead fitted to the Hwasong-12 experienced heat loads similar to those of an ICBM (although for a shorter period of time) and survived.”
“Separately, North Korea has published images of an apparently successful ground test of a re-entry vehicle last year.”Sun reports: In recent months, North Korea has rapidly stepped up its missile launch program.
Four new weapons systems have been tested lately, including new super-accurate short-range ballistic missiles.
Its new intermediate-range ballistic missile is said to be able to hit US bases in Guam and NK has also tested new anti-ship cruise missiles.
And Mr. Lewis fears the rogue state could soon be “knocking on the door” of the US with new super-powered ICBMs – despite some claiming Kim’s missile program is overrated.
Mr. Lewis added:
“Similar doubts were expressed about China’s nuclear warheads in the 1960s, prompting China’s leaders to arm a missile with a live nuclear weapon and launch it across the country to dispel any lingering doubts. Fortunately, North Korea has not chosen to take such a step.”
Last week, NK today said it “fully rejects” the latest UN sanctions against its citizens as a “hostile act” and will continue its nuclear weapons development without delay.
The UN Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against Kim Jong-un’s rogue state after its repeated missile tests – the first such resolution since President Donald Trump took office.
The sanctions resolution “is a crafty hostile act with the purpose of putting a curb on the DPRK’s buildup of nuclear forces, disarming it and causing economic suffocation to it,” NK’s foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.
“Whatever sanctions and pressure may follow, we will not flinch from the road to build up nuclear forces which were chosen to defend the sovereignty of the country and the rights to national existence and will move forward towards the final victory.”
North Korea has rejected all UN Security Council resolutions dating back to 2006 when it conducted its first nuclear test, saying such moves directly infringe its sovereign right to self-defense.
“The major question now is not whether the warhead is small enough to mount on an ICBM but whether it is rugged enough to survive the shock, vibration and extreme temperatures that a nuclear warhead would experience on an intercontinental trajectory, in which it would be shot into space and then re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.”
“The warhead fitted to the Hwasong-12 experienced heat loads similar to those of an ICBM (although for a shorter period of time) and survived.”
“Separately, North Korea has published images of an apparently successful ground test of a re-entry vehicle last year.”Sun reports: In recent months, North Korea has rapidly stepped up its missile launch program.
Four new weapons systems have been tested lately, including new super-accurate short-range ballistic missiles.
Its new intermediate-range ballistic missile is said to be able to hit US bases in Guam and NK has also tested new anti-ship cruise missiles.
And Mr. Lewis fears the rogue state could soon be “knocking on the door” of the US with new super-powered ICBMs – despite some claiming Kim’s missile program is overrated.
Mr. Lewis added:
“Similar doubts were expressed about China’s nuclear warheads in the 1960s, prompting China’s leaders to arm a missile with a live nuclear weapon and launch it across the country to dispel any lingering doubts. Fortunately, North Korea has not chosen to take such a step.”
Last week, NK today said it “fully rejects” the latest UN sanctions against its citizens as a “hostile act” and will continue its nuclear weapons development without delay.
The UN Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against Kim Jong-un’s rogue state after its repeated missile tests – the first such resolution since President Donald Trump took office.
The sanctions resolution “is a crafty hostile act with the purpose of putting a curb on the DPRK’s buildup of nuclear forces, disarming it and causing economic suffocation to it,” NK’s foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.
“Whatever sanctions and pressure may follow, we will not flinch from the road to build up nuclear forces which were chosen to defend the sovereignty of the country and the rights to national existence and will move forward towards the final victory.”
North Korea has rejected all UN Security Council resolutions dating back to 2006 when it conducted its first nuclear test, saying such moves directly infringe its sovereign right to self-defense.
