In a notable development, North Korea has successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking its first test in almost a year.
The recent missile test was criticized as a blatant violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, risking destabilization of the region.
According to Japan, the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory, reaching an altitude of 7,000 km (4,350 miles). A normal trajectory would give it a potential range of over 15,000 km (9,300 miles), putting the mainland United States within reach.
Sean Savett, a spokesperson for the United States National Security Council, stated in a release that the United States is prepared to take action to safeguard its security as well as that of allies South Korea and Japan.
Savett condemned the ICBM test as “a flagrant violation” of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, needlessly exacerbating tensions and risking destabilization in the region.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani suggested that the missile could be a new model due to its extended flight time and altitude surpassing previous North Korean tests.
South Korea Joint Chief of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung Joon mentioned plans for “ample” military exercises with the United States and potentially Japan in response.
Lee reported that the missile was launched from a 12-axle mobile launch platform, the largest in South Korea, at a high angle possibly to avoid impacting neighboring countries.
North Korea’s last missile test was nearly a year ago, with the last ICBM being launched in December 2023, known as the Hwasong-18.
The Associated Press, Reuters, and Catherine Yang contributed to this report.