TOKYO: Japan’s defense ministry on Monday warned that the missile test-fired by North Korea belongs to the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) class, capable of covering the entire territory of the United States.
Shingo Miyake, parliamentary vice-minister of defense in Japan, stated, “The ICBM-class ballistic missile launched this time, if calculated based on the trajectory, depending on the weight of the warhead, could have a flying range of over 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles). In which case the whole of the US territory would be within the range.”
The missile reportedly traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) with a maximum altitude exceeding 6,000 kilometers (3,720 miles). The flight lasted an estimated 73 minutes before falling into the Sea of Japan, approximately 250 kilometers northwest of Okushiri island, Hokkaido, outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Japan Protests North Korea’s Missile Launch
Japan promptly lodged a firm protest against the missile launch through its embassy channel and strongly condemned the provocative action. This latest development marks a concerning advancement in North Korea’s missile capabilities, raising regional and global security concerns.
The international community, including the United Nations, has consistently condemned North Korea’s missile tests and nuclear ambitions. The latest test further complicates diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing challenges posed by North Korea’s weapons program.
