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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.
