Chun In-bum

On April 3, North Korea announced it had successfully launched a solid-fuel rocket engine with a hypersonic glide warhead vehicle that was nuclear capable. The Hwasong-16 Na was launched from a seven axle mobile vehicle, which is longer than previously observed North Korean transporter erector launchers (TEL). This hints at North Korean capabilities to produce and improve its construction of such mobile vehicles. The deployment of such advanced weaponry underscores North Korea's relentless pursuit of military advancements despite international sanctions and condemnation.

The mobile launchers and solid-fuel engines give the North Koreans the ability to launch missiles with very short notice at most, if not all, locations of their choosing. The launch video also shows a short boost stage for the missile that protects the mobile launcher from the initial blast and heat. This in turn will allow the launcher to be reused for future deployments.

The warhead is hypersonic which means it can travel more than 10 to 20 times the speed of sound and it is maneuverable. The maneuverability of the warhead will enable the warhead to zig-zag through airspace and make it much harder for anti-aircraft........

© The Korea Times