Donald Trump supposedly made a deal with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un that was to stop the development and launch of strategic missiles. But almost from the moment that Trump and Kim shook hands, missiles have been launching from North Korea. Despite the demonstrated threat to South Korea and other regional allies, Trump has been dismissive of recent launches, saying that they weren’t covered by the promises made to him by Kim. But Trump might have a bit more trouble waving off the latest launch. This submarine-fired weapon not only traveled at least 280 miles, but it may have split to reach multiple targets before splashing into the sea off Japan’s west coast. And it certainly seems to have been large enough to potentially carry a nuclear warhead.
CNBC is reporting that earlier stories that two missiles had been launched may be incorrect. However, Japanese officials indicated that they had tracked two objects, which may mean that the missile split before impact. If intentional, this could indicate a simple form of MIRV, a missile capable of delivering multiple warheads. In any case, the size of the missile, its range, and its launch from an underwater platform indicate that North Korea is developing the ability to strike at any coastal region.
Last week, North Korea-focused website 38 North indicated that the country was continuing construction of a new ballistic missile submarine that was suspected to be near completion. A newly constructed awning that obscured the construction area may indicate that the boat was ready to be launched. It is unclear if that newly built boat was involved in the Tuesday launch. The missile launched may be a previously rumored Pukkuksong-1, believed to be 26 feet long and 5 feet in diameter—easily of a scale to carry a nuclear warhead. It also is thought to have a more advanced launch system than previous North Korean rockets, which would make it more reliable.
This is the ninth launch since Trump walked across the Demilitarized Zone to shake Kim’s hand. Since that moment, Kim seems to have refined both land-based and sea-launched weapons systems.