A new-type intercontinental ballistic missile "Hwasongpho--18" was test-fired, which would discharge its mission as a prospective core means of the strategic force of the DPRK and an important war deterrent.
The respected Comrade
The test-firing was aimed at confirming the performance of the high-thrust solid-propellant multistage motors, the stage separation technology and the reliability of various functional control systems and appraising the military utility of the new strategic weapon system.
It was conducted in the way of confirming the technical specifications of each part of the weapon system while restricting the maximum speed of the missile through time-delay separation start method with the first stage set on the standard trajectory flight mode and the second and third stages on the high-angle mode in consideration of the safety of the neighbouring countries and the security of multistage separation during the flight in our territory.
When he approved the test-firing of the new-type strategic weapon, General Jang Chang Ha ordered the Second Red Flag Company under the General Missile Bureau to test-fire it.
The test-firing of the new-type intercontinental ballistic missile had no negative influence on the safety of the neighbouring countries and the separated first stage fell safely on the sea 10 kilometres off the Hodo peninsula, Kumya County of South Hamgyong Province and the second stage on the sea 335 kilometres east of Orang County of North Hamgyong Province.
The test-firing made it possible to have the guarantee and confidence that all the elements of the new-type strategic weapon system have correctly reached the requirements of the designs and the new-type intercontinental ballistic missile is a powerful strategic offensive means of greater military utility.
The new-type intercontinental ballistic missile "Hwasongpho--18" weapon system to be equipped and used by the strategic force of the DPRK according to the long-term plan for building the state nuclear forces will perform its important mission and duty as the most powerful core means in defending the DPRK, curbing aggression and safeguarding the security of the state.
Guiding the test-firing,
He noted that it is the consistent stand of our Party and the government of the DPRK to continuously accelerate the development of more advanced and powerful weapon systems in coping with the ever-worsening security situation of the Korean peninsula and prospective military threats. He proudly referred to the significance of the development of the new-type intercontinental ballistic missile "Hwasongpho--18" which would greatly reinforce the components of our strategic deterrent, rapidly increase the utility of the nuclear counterattack posture and innovate the practicality of the offensive military strategy.
He said the Party and the government of the DPRK would force the enemy endangering the security of the Korean peninsula and destroying the peaceful life and socialist construction of our people with inveterate aggressive policy and menacing military moves to clearly understand the crisis of security. He affirmed that fatal and offensive response would be constantly taken against the enemy until they give up foolish thinking and reckless moves and face extreme uneasiness and fear and irretrievable threat, thus making them regret for their wrong choice in despair.