North Korea Conducts Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Test

The missile, likely the Hwasong-18, was launched in response to U.S. and South Korean nuclear deterrence plans.

North Korea conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile test in five months, launching a more agile weapon in response to U.S. and South Korean moves to boost their nuclear deterrence plans.
The missile tested was a solid-fueled weapon, likely the North’s road-mobile Hwasong-18 ICBM, which is difficult for adversaries to detect due to its built-in solid propellants.
The missile flew about 1,000 kilometers before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. It was launched on an elevated angle to avoid neighboring countries.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered officials to maintain a solid South Korean-U.S. joint defense posture and respond “swiftly and overwhelmingly” to any North Korean provocations.
North Korea's Defense Ministry called its rivals’ decision to include nuclear operation scenarios in their joint drills an open threat and said any attempt by enemies to use military force against North Korea will be met with “a preemptive and deadly counteraction.”