North Korea working on carbon-fibre ICBM for multi-warhead delivery, Seoul says
Why it matters: North Korea's advanced ICBMs could deliver multiple warheads to the US mainland, escalating regional military tensions.
- North Korea is working on carbon-fiber ICBMs for multi-warhead delivery, according to South Korean lawmakers briefed by the National Intelligence Service (Reuters).
- The new solid-fuel rocket engine, tested in March, is assessed to have greater thrust than previous models and is capable of striking anywhere in the mainland US (Reuters).
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed the March 28 test as a significant upgrade to the country’s strategic forces (Reuters).
- South Korean President Lee expressed regret over drone incursions into North Korea, as reported by DW Asia, Channel News Asia, and Google News World, adding a layer of diplomatic tension amidst the missile developments.
- Seoul also suggests North Korea is distancing itself from Iran to leave open the possibility of talks with the US (Straits Times Asia).
North Korea is reportedly developing carbon-fiber intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of carrying multiple warheads, a significant upgrade to its strategic forces, according to South Korean lawmakers briefed by the National Intelligence Service. This development follows a March solid-fuel rocket engine test, with analysts believing the new engine can strike anywhere in the mainland US, while other reports from Seoul suggest North Korea is simultaneously distancing itself from Iran to potentially open doors for US talks.
