Why is it in the news?
- North Korea has conducted a test of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), signifying a significant leap in missile technology.
- It is a part of ongoing efforts to bolster military capabilities and establish a deterrent against potential threats.
Solid-Fuel Technology
About:
- Solid fuel missiles utilize prepackaged propellant mixtures, including metallic fuels like aluminium and oxidizers like ammonium perchlorate.
- The fuel and oxidizer are bound together by a robust material and encased in metal, igniting upon burning to create thrust for missile liftoff.
Advantages of Solid Fuel:
- Faster Deployment: Minimal preparation time, as fuelling is not required, making launches harder to pre-empt.
- Increased Survivability: Solid fuel stability enhances resistance to damage and pre-emptive strikes.
- Easier Storage and Maintenance: Longer shelf life and reduced maintenance needs compared to liquid fuels.
- Unpredictable Trajectories: Solid-fuel missiles can fly at unpredictable paths, changing directions, and carry multiple warheads or decoys.
| Why North Korea developing these missiles · Deterrence against Threats: Developing solid-fuel missiles enhances North Korea’s military capabilities, serving as a deterrent against potential threats. · Greater Accuracy: Solid-fuel missiles improve range, payload, accuracy, and survivability of North Korea’s missile arsenal. · Quick Response: Enables rapid surprise attacks or swift responses in crises due to faster and less warning-dependent launches. |
| Missiles Launched by North Korea · Hwasong-17: Successfully test-fired in 2022, showcasing advancements in long-range solid-fuel missile development. · Hwasong-18: Another ICBM test-fired in 2023, indicating further progress in solid fuel capabilities. |
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