North Korea Escalates Tensions with Record-Breaking ICBM Test and Troop Deployments to Russia

North Korea has significantly escalated tensions on the international stage with its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test and the deployment of troops to Russia. On October 31, 2024, North Korea successfully test-fired its most advanced ICBM, the Hwasong-19, which marked the longest flight time for any missile launched by the nation. The missile flew for 87 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 7,000 kilometers and entering Japan‘s maritime vicinity.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the missile launch as “an appropriate military action” aimed at bolstering the nation’s nuclear forces against perceived threats from rivals, particularly the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. This action has drawn swift condemnation from these nations, highlighting growing concerns over North Korea’s military developments.

In addition to the missile test, North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 troops to Russia, with some positioned near the frontline of the conflict with Ukraine. This move is seen as part of North Korea’s strategy to deepen military cooperation with Russia since the onset of the Ukraine war. The troops are equipped with Russian gear and uniforms, raising the stakes of the conflict and potentially lengthening it.

Experts warn that this collaboration could lead to technology transfers related to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs, as well as valuable combat experience for North Korean troops. The deployment is viewed as a significant escalation, with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warning that it could involve other nations directly and destabilize the region further.

The international community, including the European Union, the United Nations, and Germany, has condemned the missile launch, citing it as a violation of UN resolutions aimed at curbing North Korea’s military ambitions. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, strongly condemned the launch, emphasizing that it violates relevant Security Council resolutions.

Despite the impressive performance of the Hwasong-19, analysts argue that the missile’s large size makes it unsuitable for operational use in a war scenario. The missile’s dimensions, estimated to be at least 28 meters in length, make it easier to detect and potentially vulnerable to preemptive strikes.

South Korea and Japan have taken a strong stance against the missile test, viewing it as a direct threat and a breach of international norms. Both countries are enhancing their combined missile defense capabilities in response to North Korea’s increasingly aggressive military posture).