DPRK continues to test its missiles: Hwasong-12 achieved great parameters in the test – Topky.sk

“The Hwasong-12 medium-range and long-range ground-to-ground missile test took place on Sunday as planned by the Academy of Defense Sciences … and other relevant institutions.” The state news agency KCNA said in its report in English.

The test was carried out in order to “selectively evaluate” the missile produced and “to check the overall accuracy of the weapon system”. The KCNA test “confirmed the accuracy, safety and efficiency of the Hwasong 12 weapon system.”

The rocket camera took pictures of the Earth

The camera installed on the rocket’s head also took pictures of the Earth from space. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was not present at the test this time, the agency added. KCNA later released photos of the launch from a mobile launcher and images of the Earth.

It was the seventh rocket test since the beginning of the year. It took place on Sunday at 07.52 local time (Saturday at 23.52 CET). According to available information, the DPRK has tested the most powerful missile since 2017. According to estimates by South Korean and Japanese military officials, the missile flew about 800 kilometers and reached a maximum altitude of 2000 kilometers before hitting the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Photo gallery (3)

Source: SITA / AP Photo / Ahn Young-joon

The missile could hit US territory

Hwasong-12 is thought to have a range of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers, so it can hit the US overseas territory of Guam, for example. Her first rehearsals took place in 2017.

This year’s DPRK weapons tests are taking place at a time when China – the only major ally of Pyongyang – will host the Winter Olympics in February and South Korea is preparing for the March presidential election. The DPRK itself is preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of the late leader Kim Jong-il in February, as well as the 110th anniversary of the birth of the country’s founder Kim Irsen in April.