Array
North Korea’s latest missile launch, which it identified as a new type of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, is raising concern over the nation’s growing nuclear weapons program.
Thursday’s launch, the 27th so far this year, tested North Korea’s “most powerful” missile to date, state media said.
The missile test touched off a wave of fear and confusion across Japan on Thursday after Toyko issued – and later retracted – an emergency evacuation order for millions on Hokkaido, warning the missile could fall on or near the island.
The alert highlighted problems with Japan’s J-Alert system, and renewed attention on North Korea, which has significantly increased its missile tests over the past year.
Solid-fuel missiles have some advantages over liquid-fuel rockets. They can be fired with less preparation, making them harder to detect and intercept. Solid-fuel propellants can be safer to work with than liquid fuels.
