U. S. officials say Kim Jong Un is likely planning to retest new medium range missile, and may also be working on engine for ICMB
SEOUL, South Korea — As a controversial U. S. missile defense system arrives in South Korea, U. S. officials have told CBS News that North Korea appears to be preparing for another launch of a new medium-range missile it first test fired last month, and may also be testing engines for a longer-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
U. S. defense officials told CBS News’ David Martin on Tuesday that North Koreans were observed the previous day conducting a “missile ejection test” indicating likely preparations for another test launch of the Pukguksong-2, which was tested on Feb. 12 .
They were also observed conducting an engine test for what could possibly be the ICBM North Korea is known to be working on.
Earlier Tuesday, the U. S. and South Korean militaries announced that missile launchers and other equipment needed to set up the American Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, had arrived in South Korea .
International outrage is growing about a new North Korean missile test. Pentagon officials say North Korea fired at least one banned ballistic mi…
The long-planned deployment of the THAAD began a day after North Korea test-launched four ballistic missiles , which splashed into the Sea of Japan just 200 miles from Japan’s coast. It remains unclear whether those missiles were of an older variety, or the newer Pukguksong-2.
Martin says North Korea’s use of mobile missiles has increased the isolated regime’s ability to conduct tests with little or no warning, and the latest tests on Monday caught U. S. intelligence by surprise.
In February, North Korea claimed the new missile test successfully demonstrated the “the reliability and security” of a new mobile launching system, the solid fuel that was used and the guidance and control features of the ballistic missile.
Solid fuel can give missiles longer range and make detecting them before launch more difficult because they can be readied faster than the liquid fuel missiles the North has relied on for years.
