The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report, reached by NBC News, noted that the dimensions and flight path data of the Hwasong-18 missile that North Korea was testing appear “almost the same” as Russia’s Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile.
This test by North Korea also demonstrated “Hwasong-18’s ability to send large numbers of thermonuclear warheads as far as Washington,” the report said.
“The sudden emergence of these advanced capabilities is difficult to explain without the cooperation of the Russian government and scientists,” said Theodore A. Postol, professor of science, technology and national security policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). .
“Historically, Russia has always been very active and opportunistic on the Korean Peninsula, and they see an opportunity here,” said Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia and Korea at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Noting that Russia needs ammunition and North Korea has an army of 1.1 million people, Cha said, “North Korea also needs ballistic missiles and ballistic missile technology.” made its assessment.
Pyongyang launched a Hwasong-18 missile on July 12.
North Korea announced on July 12 that it had tested the Hwasong-18 type “solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile”. It was stated that the altitude and flight time of the “Hwasong-18” type missile reached “record” levels.
It was recorded that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also watched the test shot of the ballistic missile launched by North Korea in the direction of the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and remained in the air for 75 minutes.