Pyongyang scores partial success in missile test: 38 North

By Park Sae-jin Posted : June 24, 2016, 13:59 Updated : June 24, 2016, 13:59

[Yonhap News Photo]


The latest test-launch of North Korean missiles was a partial success and increased the likelihood that road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles will reach operational status early in the next decade, according to 38 North, the website of a US research institute.

In an exercise watched by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday, Pyongyang test-launched two medium-range Musudan (Hwasong-10) missiles.

One missile soared to a maximum altitude of 1,413.6 kilometers (876 miles) and fell some 400 kilometers away, Pyongyang's state media said, adding the missile made a safe flight enduring the heat at the re-entry stage.

South Korea's initial assessment was that some technical progress appeared to have been made in Pyongyang's missile technology.

38 North said the test "finally demonstrated the full performance of the missile's propulsion system, and at least a minimally functional guidance system".

Yet there was little chance of North Korea obtaining a useful weapon, it said. "At best, and only by luck, it might have scored a propaganda victory with a marginally successful flight."

Regardless of Musudan's ultimate fate, the credibility of North Korea's KN-08 and KN-14 road-mobile ICBMs has increased a few notches, the website said.

The Musudan with an estimated range of more than 3,000 kilometers could reach as far as Guam.

Earlier Kim claimed Pyongyang had already acquired re-entry technology, despite doubts about its ability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead to be mounted on an inter-continental ballistic missile.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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