[Seoul = Norio Sakurai]On the 1st, North Korea’s official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Rodong Sinmun, reported that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea on October 31st was the latest model of the Hwasong-19. He also claimed that it was the “final version of the ICBM,” which will be operated together with the new solid-fuel Hwasong-18 that was launched in December last year.

Kim Jong Un, who was present at the launch, emphasized that the “success” of the test “showed the world that the hegemonic position we have secured in missile development is absolutely irreversible.”

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election on the 5th, the aim appears to be to show off that the ICBM has secured the ability to reach the U.S. mainland.

According to the paper, Hwasong-19 reached a maximum altitude of 7,687.5 km and flew a distance of 1,001.2 km for 85 minutes and 56 seconds before landing in the target water area. “The latest record for strategic missile capability has been broken,” it said. Japan’s Ministry of Defense also released an analysis on the 31st that said it had the longest flight time and highest altitude of any ICBM ever launched by North Korea.

Kim Jong-un’s daughter, whose name is Kim Ju-ae, also accompanied the launch test.

The paper said that the Hwasong-19 will be “the first core and mainstay tool to deter acts of aggression and ensure national security.” It also posted photos of an ICBM being launched from the largest mobile launch pad ever, with 11 wheels on each side.

Like the Hwasong-18, the Hwasong-19 appears to be a solid-fuel type, which allows for faster launches than liquid-fueled types.

Enlarge photo

Test firing of the latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong Cannon 19 type conducted on October 31st (Korean Central News Agency)