According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency, on 4 April, the DPRK conducted the first test launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile of the "Martian Cannon-14." Kim Jong-un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Council, gave guidance at the scene.
Image source: KCNA
According to reports, the purpose of the test launch is to confirm the performance of high-power solid multistage engines, stage separation technology, the reliability of various functional control systems, and to assess the military utility of new strategic weapon systems.
According to the report, the test launch adopts the first stage set as the standard ballistic flight mode, the second and third stages as the high-angle method, and limits the maximum speed of the missile by delaying separation and starting, and verifies the technical characteristics of each system of the weapon system.
Image source: KCNA
Kim Jong-un observed the pre-launch preparations at the test launch site and learned about the new weapon system.
After the test launch was prepared, Kim Jong-un approved the test launch of a new strategic weapon, and Senior General Chang Chang-ha issued a launch order to the Second Red Banner Company of the Missile General Administration, which was responsible for the test launch.
The first and second stages of separation reportedly fell safely to the sea 10 kilometers before the Tordo Peninsula in Gimye County, South Hamgyong Province, and 335 kilometers east of Yulang County, North Hamgyong Province. With test firing, all parameters of the new strategic weapon system correctly meet the design requirements.
In accordance with the national long-term plan for building up nuclear forces, the strategic armed forces of the Republic will be equipped with and use the new Hwasong Cannon-18 intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system, and as the strongest core main means of defending the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, curbing aggression and safeguarding national security, it will undertake its major mission and tasks.
Image source: KCNA
Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction with the test launch and said that the test launch once again clearly confirmed the potential and reality of the DPRK's defense technology force, and vigorously demonstrated the firm determination and practical ability to achieve the goal of strengthening the armed forces.
Kim Jong-un said that in view of the deteriorating security environment on the Korean Peninsula and future military threats, it is the DPRK's consistent position to continue to accelerate the development of more advanced powerful weapon systems. He pointed out that the development of the new Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile will greatly reorganize the components of North Korea's strategic deterrence, rapidly improve the effectiveness of the nuclear counterattack posture, and change the practicality of offensive military strategy.
Image source: KCNA
Kim Jong-un said that with the practical achievements of strengthening and developing self-defense capabilities, supporting the DPRK's policy of "nuclear control with nuclear weapons" and "answering frontal confrontation with frontal confrontation" is the absolute mission and duty of the DPRK's national defense scientific forces, and put forward the major strategic task of further vigorously promoting the process of strengthening the DPRK's nuclear strategic armed forces.
Kim Jong-un stressed, "With their stubborn aggressive policies and threatening military actions, hostile forces endanger the environment on the Korean Peninsula and hinder the peaceful life of the Korean people and the struggle for socialist construction. ”