SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea said on Friday it has tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 aimed at boosting the country’s nuclear counterattack capability, state media reported.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a new model ballistic missile on Thursday, South Korea said, triggering a scare in northern Japan where Hokkaido residents were told to take cover, though there turned out to be no danger.
“The test proved … the new intercontinental ballistic missile’s military efficiency as a strategic attack capability,” news agency KCNA said, adding it will dramatically improve the country’s strategic deterrence and nuclear counterattack readiness.
Leader Kim Jong Un guided the test, KCNA said.
Developing a solid-fuel ICBM has long been seen as a key goal for North Korea, as it could help the North deploy its missiles faster in the event of a war.
The latest launch came days after North Korean leader Kim called for strengthening war deterrence in a “more practical and offensive” manner to counter what North Korea called moves of aggression by the United States.
North Korea has criticised recent U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises as escalating tensions and has stepped weapons tests in recent months.
(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sandra Maler)
