The South Korean army announced on the morning of the 25th that North Korea launched a total of three ballistic missiles, which are presumed to be ICBM = intercontinental ballistic missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles from the suburbs of the capital Pyeongyang.

A high-ranking official of the South Korean presidential office said that the ICBM is a new type of "Hwasong-17", and it is said that it aims to break through the missile defense by launching missiles with different ranges one after another. I am.

The South Korean Armed Forces Joint Staff Headquarters launched a total of three ballistic missiles from the vicinity of Sunan (Sunan) on the outskirts of the capital Pyongyang to the Sea of ​​Japan from around 6 am on the 25th to about 40 minutes. Announced that it was done.



Of these, the first one launched around 6 am is estimated to be an ICBM = intercontinental ballistic missile, with a flight distance of about 360 km and an altitude of about 540 km. It is said that the analysis is proceeding with the view that it is "17 type".



Subsequently, the short-range ballistic missile launched at 6:37 appears to have failed, and the short-range ballistic missile launched five minutes later is said to have flown 760 km at an altitude of approximately 60 km. There is a view that the departure is an improvement of Russia's "Iskander".



Regarding the launch of ICBM and short-range ballistic missiles with different ranges one after another, the Korean media has shown the ability to attack the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and reports an analysis that it aims to break through missile defense. ..



In response, the United States and South Korea have discussed measures at various levels, accusing North Korea of ​​being a "serious provocation" in a telephone conversation between Defense Secretary Austin and Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, and then calling for nuclear force. We are emphasizing the stance of the two countries to cooperate and respond, such as confirming that we will strengthen "extended deterrence" to protect allies with the deterrence of the United States, including.

Expert "Showing the diversification of weapons"

Professor Atsuhito Isozaki of Keio University, who is familiar with the situation in North Korea, said on the morning of the 25th that North Korea launched a series of different types of missiles, which are considered to be ICBM = intercontinental ballistic missiles and short-range ballistic missiles. "It is unusual for North Korea to launch three missiles," he said. "Not only will North Korea launch the same missile, but it will also develop, mass-produce, deploy, and train new missiles." We have to think about it. We have shown the diversification of weapons. "



Also, on the day after President Biden of the United States, who was visiting Japan, was on his way home, he said that North Korea had launched missiles. It does not always match the diplomatic schedule of the United States, but it is judged at its own timing according to the medium- to long-term weapons development program. "



On top of that, in North Korea, a series of fever who seems to be caused by the new coronavirus said that they launched a missile. It was clearly shown, "he said, and analyzes that he is promoting nuclear and missile development in line with the five-year defense plan announced in January last year.



Regarding the impact of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine on North Korea's nuclear development, "North Korea is more inclined to the idea that it must have nuclear weapons in order to carefully observe the situation in Ukraine and protect itself from the great powers. There is no doubt that we will do it. I think we are pushing our backs. "



Furthermore, regarding the possibility that North Korea will undertake a seventh nuclear test, "China is strongly opposed to North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons and nuclear tests. In 2017, when the last nuclear test was conducted. At that time, relations between China and North Korea had deteriorated. That is why it can be said that a nuclear test was possible. "



On the other hand, "On the contrary, we are in a situation where we have to emphasize the idea that if we have a nuclear weapon, we will not be attacked by the United States. It will be a judgment whether strengthening will exceed that. "