North Korea Conducts 2nd ICBM Test


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On July 28, North Korea carried out a second flight test of its Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile.  According the North Korean news sources, the missile flew on lofted trajectory to an altitude of 3,724.9 km up into the air before, traveling 998 km before falling  into the Sea of Japan.  North Korea launched the missile from a new launch site at Mupyong-ni in northern Jangang province. The flight lasted roughly 47 minutes.  Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis responded to the test by reaffirming U.S. commitment to defend itself and its allies, including South Korea and Japan.

The Hwasong-14’s performance on July 28 exceeded that of its first flight on July 4. Based on the energy expended during its lofted flight, it is estimated that the missile could have a range in excess of 10,000 kilometers if flown on a more energy efficient trajectory. This would put most of the continental United States within range.

The United States and South Korea responded to the test with joint live-fire drill, which included the launch of U.S. ATACMS and South Korea’s Hyunmoo-2 short-range ballistic missiles.