North Korea launched Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile

North Korea launched its Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile on January 30, 2022. The month of January was one of the busiest months of missile tests for North Korea.

With the launch of Hwasong-12, North Korea highlights efforts to ensure its reliable systems for the delivery of nuclear weapons.

North Korea’s testing program began with the launch of new “hypersonic missiles”, and later included long-range cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, which were launched from railcars and air bases.

North Korea has not tested its nuclear weapons or its longest-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) since 2017. However, the launch of Hwaseong-12 indicated that it may begin such testing soon.

Israel first launched the Hwasong-12 IRBM in April 2017. It launched two more Hwasong-12 in 2017 following the success of the first launch. In the recent test, the missile was tested on an elevated trajectory. The missile reached an altitude of about 2,000 km and flew a distance of 800 km. It has an estimated range of 4,500 km.