North Korea says new solid-fuel missile ‘Hwasong-19’ perfected in test firing: what it means

North Korea has announced the successful test of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile.Hwasong-19”, with state media labeling it as “the most powerful missile in the world”.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the new missile exhibits greater height and flight time, bringing it one step closer to Pyongyang’s goal of nuclear capable ICBM that could potentially reach the United States.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency labeled the missile as ‘Hwasong-19’ ICBM, describing it as ‘the world’s strongest strategic missile’ and ‘the perfected weapon system’.
While South Korean military officials suggested the possibility of a solid-fuel rocket test, KCNA’s report did not specify the type of propellant used in Hwasong-19. Exhaust flames in official photos indicate the likely use of solid-fuel technology, which allows faster launches and better concealment, experts say. Before this test, the Hwasong-18 was North Korea’s most advanced ICBM.
Solid fuel rockets, unlike their liquid fuel counterparts, are pre-loaded with propellant, allowing for faster launches and greater secrecy by reducing visible preparation times. This technical leap would mark a shift from the Hwasong-18, North Korea’s previous top ICBM, to a model with potentially higher operational readiness and improved camouflage.
Kim Jong Un observed the launch with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who Seoul’s intelligence agency has identified as his potential successor. Kim praised the test as “an appropriate military action” in light of perceived threats to North Korea’s security, and praised the scientists and engineers involved for their work in strengthening the country’s “unparalleled strategic nuclear strike capability” .
While there is no doubt about North Korea’s ability to attack South Korea with nuclear weapons, North Korea’s ability to effectively reach the continental United States still remains questionable. Technical challenges, including the protection of reentry vehicles, the refinement of guidance systems and the deployment of multiple warheads, continue to hamper North Korea’s ability to attack more distant countries.
The timing of the launch appears strategic as it comes before the US presidential election and amid international criticism over North Korea’s alleged deployment of troops to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine.
U.S. officials say about 8,000 North Korean troops are stationed near the Russia-Ukraine border. The test came shortly after U.S. and South Korean defense officials urged North Korea to withdraw its military personnel from Russia.