AUGUST 23, 2023

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Space Launch

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond.  This space launch involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program.  The President’s national security team is assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners.  We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations.  The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement.  The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles
in retaliation against Seoul-Washington ...

According to Arirang News September 1, 2023, Choi Min-jung, Reporter. 

North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles, in a display of discontent over Seoul and Washington's combined military drills.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday midnight spotted that North Korea had launched two SRBMs, between 11:40 and 11:50 PM. toward the East Sea from the Sunan area.

The JCS confirmed that both flew around 3-hundred-60 kilometers before landing in the East Sea.

Considering the flight distance, it seems likely that the launch was a test to show that the North is capable of hitting South Korea's Gyeryongdae military complex, where the headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are located.

Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was spotted at a Central Military Commission meeting, pointing at an area close to Gyeryongdae.

Wednesday's provocation is the first ballistic missile launch in almost 40 days.

The launch appears to be a retaliation against Seoul and Washington's Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercise.

As part of the exercise, South Korea and the U.S. on Wednesday held a joint air drill over the West Sea involving a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber.

The deployment of the U.S. strategic bomber, dubbed "the swan of death", has prompted a reaction from North Korea in the past, which included missile launches.

The JCS strongly condemned the launch, calling it an act of significant provocation that undermines peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and for the international community.

It added it would thoroughly carry out UFS drills while closely monitoring the North's activities.

The U.S. also denounced Pyongyang's provocations and reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to South Korea.

"This launch is in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and possesses a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and international community. Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea, Japan remains ironclad."

North Korea's state-run media also reported Thursday, that its leader visited the military's command post on Tuesday, as the regime commenced a command drill involving the entire army.

The aim of the drill was full war preparation.

There, Kim stressed that modern warfare is a battle of brains, noting that victory is determined by the decisions of commanders.

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Air forces from S. Korea, U.S. holds live fire exercise on Thursday

Aug 31, 2023

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Lee Rae-hyun, Arirang News:  On the last day of the annual military exercise between South Korea and the U.S., forces from the two countries conducted a live fire drill, aimed at countering North Korea's growing threats.

The air forces of South Korea and the U.S. on Thursday held a live fire exercise together over the West Sea.

This was part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise which involved air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles.

Around 30 fighter jets and attack aircraft were deployed where the joint forces practiced striking a simulated target.

South Korea's fighter jets including F-35As and F-15Ks launched an air-to-air missile to intercept and strike a drone target which performed as a low-altitude cruise missile.

Air-to-surface missiles including GBU-56s were then launched to destroy the opponent's defense structure.

The GBU-56 which features a semi-active rader homing system is capable of targeting mobile weaponry such as a transporter erector launcher.

"We have reaffirmed the excellent performance of the Korean-made FA-50 jet and the Guided Bomb and improved our strike capability. We pledge to use this skill to immediately punish enemies in any possible provocations."

Captain John Flanagan, who took part in the drills, also said that Seoul-Washington integration is still evident and paramount today even after American pilots defended South Korea's freedom 70 years ago.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Kim Seung-kyum met General Anthony Cotton --the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command --who's currently visiting South Korea.

The meeting took place at the B-1 Bunker in southern Seoul, making Cotton, who visited the country for the first time since taking office in December last year, the first U.S. strategic commander to visit the wartime bunker.

They shared their assessment of the security situation in the region, including North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

They agreed to bolster cooperation between Seoul's JCS and the U.S. Strategic Command, and also decided to closely cooperate with South Korea's envisioned "strategic command," which will be established next year.

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S. Korea, U.S. conduct combined maritime infiltration training
as part of UFS exercise

 Aug 29, 2023

Arirang news  reports that  the special forces from South Korea and the United States have been out in the ocean for the past couple of days to master techniques for maritime infiltration. It's among the dozens of field training as part of the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

Arirang defense correspondent Choi Min-jung reports that special operations forces from South Korea and the U.S. head toward the shore on rubber boats, keeping their positions low.  A number of the special forces personnel swim the rest of the way, cautiously making sure it's safe for the rest of the team to arrive.

This is a glimpse of the combined training that Seoul and Washington do on a daily basis,.. to infiltrate the enemy's base.

Since last week, in Yangyang County, Gangwon-do Province, around a hundred personnel from South Korea's Army and U.S. Special Operations Command Korea have been conducting field training exercises to enhance skills in maritime infiltration.

The training is part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise which runs until Thursday.

This combined special operation is aimed at strengthening Seoul and Washington's interoperability.

"Combined special operations capabilities could be further strengthened by mastering various tasks with the U.S. Special Operations Command Korea. We will continue to train and establish a perfect readiness so that we can accomplish any mission in case of emergency."

Seoul and Washington's special forces master maritime infiltration techniques including special strike operations and close combat techniques.

The U.S.' Captain, J, said the training is also focused on building the skills of leaders at every level,.. noting it as being the most important resource.

He also underlined strong teamwork with South Korean forces.

"For 70 years, American and Korean soldiers have stood shoulder to shoulder dedicated to the defense of our homelands. Our ironclad alliance is integrated at every level from the strategic to the tactical. I am proud to work with my Korean brothers.   !"

Let's go together, Pilseung!

Going forward, Seoul and Washington's special forces vow to prepare for every scenario on air, land, and sea.

"U.S.! Korea! We go together!"

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UN member states send additional military personnel to S. Korea,

to support annual combined exercise

The annual summertime combined exercise between South Korea and the U.S., to bolster readiness against the North's escalating threat, will take place until Friday.

And this year, service members from other United Nations member states are also taking part, for stronger interoperability on the Korean Peninsula.

Bae Eun-ji has more.

Nine other United Nations member states other than the U.S. have sent additional military personnel to support this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which focuses on preparing for a rapid transition to wartime operations, in case of an attack from North Korea.

That includes Australia, Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Italy.

At Camp Humphreys, a U.S. military base in South Korea, on Wednesday, service members who took part explained what they were able to learn throughout the training.

Canadian Army Major Simon Johnson, who works as the operations officer of the United Nations Command, explains that Canada has sent over 20 participants to South Korea for the exercise.

"It enables us to really understand how one another operate. And if things were to escalate on the peninsula, we already have a team of people who have common understanding of what needs to be done: how the ground looks like, how the headquarters operate."

Lieutenant commander Kang Hyung-wook, from the Canadian Navy, who has been working in the United Nations Command since last summer,..shared a story of his grandfather who was killed in action during the Korean War.

His grandfather's last words written on a picture of him read: "I will complete my mission and protect the country with my life."

"My father was only one year old at the time, so I wasn't able to hear a lot of personal stories. But my grandfather must have been very young at the time he fought in the war, and I always remember that while I serve in the military and it means a lot to me."

Corporal Sion Owen from the British Air Force, whose role is to be a direct link between the United Nations Command and the surgeon’s office, says while taking part in the drill, they were able to get a good insight into how other countries work within their militaries.

"We’re one of the member states, so we’ll need to get involved and ensure that we’re working collectively so that if real-life scenarios came into place, we would all know what we’re doing."

Natacha Baugen from the New Zealand Air Force, who is a legal advisor at the United Nations Command said it was interesting to see how they can strengthen the interoperability to support the Korean Peninsula.

"It’s been a really interesting experience.  A variety of different nations supporting the exercise, learning about their backgrounds, learning about their, for me, their legal considerations has been really fascinating."

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North Korea showcases new tactical nuclear attack submarine
amid rising concerns of alliance ....

North Korea continues to strengthen and show off its naval forces.

This time the regime unveiled what it claims to be its first tactical nuclear attack submarine during a launch ceremony on Wednesday.

Our Lee Soo-jin tells us more.

North Korea continues to take an aggressive nuclear stance.

North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on Friday that North Korea unveiled a new tactical nuclear attack submarine.

Its launch ceremony was attended by leader Kim Jong-un.

The submarine, named "Hero Kim Kun Ok," is supposedly the North's first that is capable of nuclear attacks underwater.

The report added that Kim said during the ceremony on Wednesday that the "nuclear armament of the navy can no longer be delayed" and that North Korea needs to accelerate efforts to supply the navy with submarines loaded with tactical nuclear weapons so that it can "smoothly carry out its strategic mission."

This comes amid reports of North Korea and Russia moving to strengthen their partnership.

According to Russia's state-owned Sputnik News, North Korean ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chul said on Thursday that Russia and North Korea will "strengthen their comradeship and stand in solidarity as they fight the common enemy".

The remark was made during a celebration held at the North Korean embassy in Russia to mark North Korea's upcoming 75th founding anniversary.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said in an interview broadcast on the same day that it would be a "huge mistake" for North Korea to supply ammunition to Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine.

She also said during the interview with CBS News held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia that she believes that such moves will only further isolate both Russia and North Korea.

The comments reiterate the Biden administration's firm stance against North Korea supplying Russia with weapons as it comes just days after White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that North Korea will "pay a price" if it moves forward with an arms deal.

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Kim Jong Un Adds Showstopper Submarine To North Korea's Navy,
Will Tactical Nuke Sub Keep US At Bay?

CRUX: North Korea launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine” on September 6. It has been named “Hero Kim Kun-ok” after a prominent North Korean historical figure and given the hull number 841. Official photos suggested the launch was a festive occasion with colourful balloons and confetti with the North Korean President overseeing the event. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the submarine “heralded the beginning of a new chapter” for North Korea’s navy.

On Wednesday, he held a dialogue with the 10-member ASEAN bloc, and outlined ways to put into action his Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which pursues freedom, peace and prosperity in the region.

The South Korean leader also called for greater cooperation at the ASEAN plus 3 meeting with Japan and China, particularly on curbing North Korea's nuclear program.

Here's our correspondent Oh Soo-young reporting from Jakarta.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for strong, concerted efforts to end North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and pushed for trilateral cooperation with Japan and China for regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Holding a bilateral dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta, the South Korean leader on Wednesday outlined ways to put into action his Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which pursues freedom, peace and prosperity in the region.

First, addressing regional security, Yoon highlighted Pyongyang's weapons programme as a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific and a direct challenge to global non-proliferation efforts.

Reacting to news of potential arms cooperation between North Korea and Russia,.. Yoon said “attempts at military cooperation with North Korea that harm the peace of the international community must be stopped immediately."

He requested ASEAN's cooperation in denuclearizing the North and ending its illicit funding activities such as cryptocurrency theft and dispatching overseas workers.

On wider regional security, he proposed strengthening cooperation in the defense industry, cyber security, and transnational crimes involving drugs, and terrorism.

He emphasized that peace and stability in the South China Sea, a key maritime transportation route in the region, is essential for the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, pledging to ramp up support for the maritime law enforcement capabilities of ASEAN countries and expanding joint training.

Also presenting ways to strengthen economic links with Korea's second-largest export market, Yoon pledged efforts to foster collaborations between Korean and ASEAN youth on digital technologies, and increased support for development projects in the Mekong area.

On non-traditional security issues, Yoon reaffirmed support for the regional bloc's climate response, its capacity to produce vaccines and develop treatments for infectious diseases.

To tackle such global challenges, the South Korean leader proposed further cooperation measures as the rotating chair of the ASEAN +3 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

These include food security, innovation and supply chain security, and investing in future generations by nurturing talents in science.

Amid geopolitical tensions surrounding China in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with President Xi Jiping sitting out the ASEAN and G20 summits, Yoon called for a resumption of trilateral dialogue between the Northeast Asian countries.

"Yoon is expected to renew his call for a strong response to North Korea's provocations, and cooperation for the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, as he attends the East Asia Summit on Thursday and the G20 summit in India on Friday where the United States, China and Russia will also participate.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, Jakarta."

How would a nuclear war between Russia and the US affect you personally?

AUGUST 23, 2023

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Space Launch

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond.  This space launch involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program.  The President’s national security team is assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners.  We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations.  The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement.  The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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The United States strongly condemns the DPRK for its test of a long-range ballistic missile. The President and his national security team are assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners.  This launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. This action demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people.  We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations.  The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions and instead choose diplomatic engagement.  The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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According to Arirang News April 12th, 2023, Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.North Korea test-fired yet another intercontinental ballistic missile but for the first time in a month.

This time, it's presumed to be a new type of weapon.

The missile is assumed to be a solid fuel missile that is harder to detect before launch meaning it's hard to prepare any sort of response.

Developing this type of missile is one of the five key tasks of the Kim Jong-un regime.

Our national security correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports.

North Korea on Thursday morning fired what could be a new type of ballistic missile.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that at around 7:23 AM, it detected an intermediate-range or longer missile fired from near Pyongyang.

It added the missile was launched at a high angle and flew about one-thousand kilometers before landing in the East Sea.

The military said it's maintaining strong defense readiness, by closely cooperating with the U.S.

"Because it was launched at a high angle, we believe its range was longer than that of an intermediate-range missile when launched at a normal angle. But more analysis is needed to confirm this."

While the military is carrying out further analysis, a military official told reporters that the launch may have involved a new type of weapon displayed at a recent military parade and that the military was not ruling out the possibility of it being a solid-fuel ICBM.

This is one of the five military tasks that the regime's leader, Kim Jong-un, announced at the key party meeting in January 2021, and was displayed for the first time at a military parade in February.

On Monday at its 6th enlarged meeting of the 8th Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim also stressed the need to expand the regime's war deterrence in a more practical, offensive, and effective way.

Thursday's missile test comes just two days ahead of what North Korea calls the "Day of the Sun" on April 15th, marking the birthday of its founding leader Kim Il-sung.

And it also comes as the North has remained unresponsive to routine calls with South Korea for around a week.

The inter-Korean liaison communication channel and a military hotline are normally used twice a day, but there has been no response via either channel since last Friday.

Experts have said Pyongyang's move appears to be in protest over the ongoing security cooperation between Seoul and Washington.

North Korea’s Missile Launch Forces Japan to Evacuate Citizens | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Firstpost, April 12th, 2023,   North Korea’s Missile Launch Forces Japan to Evacuate Citizens | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Early on Thursday, a new ballistic missile launch by North Korea forced Japan to issue emergency evacuation orders for the residents of Hokkaido. Are North Korea’s missile launches now becoming a threat to neighboring countries’ populace? Palki Sharma decodes.

“New Type” of North Korean Missile Sparks Frenzy in Japan | Kim Close to Getting Solid-fuel Rockets?.

Arirang News, Busan Kim,  Yeon-seung reported that,a U.S. strategic asset, the nuclear-powered warship USS Nimitz has arrived in South Korea's port city of Busan.

It's deemed as a show of the robust Seoul-Washington alliance amid growing threats from North Korea.

Defense correspondent Kim Yeon-seung was there at the site.

An American symbol of power docked at the port city of Busan.

"It's here. One of the world's largest and most power-packed American warships -the USS Nimitz.

The sheer length of this flight deck that I'm standing on is more than three times the length of a soccer field."

The USS Nimitz is a warship specifically designed for air missions.

It's capable of carrying up to around 70 aircraft, including a mix of fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, as well as helicopters such as the MH-60 Sierra for search and rescue operations.

With an immense displacement of roughly 100-thousand tons, the ship also carries around 5-thousand personnel with it.

This supercarrier arrived at the South Korean fleet command at Busan Tuesday morning after wrapping up combined drills with the South Korean navy in international waters south of the southern island of Jeju on Monday.

Back in South Korea after 10 years, it's here in time for the 70th anniversary of the Korean armistice.

Its visit also takes place while tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea continues dialing up their weapons tests and fiery tone.

"One, it's an opportunity to reinforce the mission readiness between the ROK navy and the United States Navy.

Second is, I think, it's a great representation of the United States' ironclad commitment to the safety and security of Republic of Korea."

"We don't seek conflict with the DPRK, we see peace and security we're not going to be coerced were not going to be bullies bullied and we're not going anywhere."

This comes as North Korea fired off two short-range ballistic missiles into waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula on Monday morning, in a clear protest of this U.S. war vessel being deployed to South Korea.

The USS Nimitz and the U.S. Navy will conduct trilateral exercises with the South Korean navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force before they pull out of Busan.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ICBM Test

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs

over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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N. Korean leader calls for North to stand ready
with nuclear attacks to deter war: KCNA

Arirang News dated March 19th, 2023, Kim Yeon-seung reports: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for the regime to stand fully ready with nuclear attacks to deter war, in a remark made during a military drill over the weekend.

The North's state-led Korean Central News Agency reported on Monday morning that North Korean troops on Saturday and Sunday trained to improve their nuclear attack skills in a two-day course.

Kim Jong-un oversaw over the training, and again brought his daughter along, who seems to be Kim Jong-un's protégé. te;gé.

Kim added in his statement that simply having nuclear weapons is no longer enough to deter war--the North must strike fear to enemies by becoming ready with its nuclear attacks.

It added that the missile achieved its target by flying 800 kilometers to blow up 800 meters above the sea.

It also said the drill did not in any way harm the safety of neighboring countries.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also confirmed on Sunday that they detected a short-range ballistic missile flying for about 800 kilometers and fired off toward the East Sea.

This missile firing comes in the middle of Freedom Shield, the 11-day-long Seoul-Washington joint drill.

North Korea has been protesting against these war games by ramping up its weapons tests and increasing hostility in its rhetoric.

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs

over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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Wikipedia shows that At a parade on 8 February 2023 marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, twelve Hwasong-17s on mobile launchers were displayed. Depending on the exact number of missiles and potential multiple reentry vehicles, North Korea could technically have reached the point where they have enough ICBMs carrying enough warheads to overwhelm the existing amount of GMD interceptors, although no multiple warhead tests had yet been conducted.

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38north.org, reported on February 15, 2023: Displaying Multiple Hwasong-17 ICBMs

The four probable solid ICBM launchers were preceded in the parade by eleven 11-axle road-mobile launchers carrying HS-17 liquid-propellant ICBMs (with a 12th launcher nearby in case needed to fill in for a breakdown). Only four HS-17 launchers had been seen at one time previously. Moreover, the HS-17 and solid ICBM launchers (like that for the already-deployed HS-15 ICBM) are based on the Chinese WS51200 truck chassis, of which North Korea previously was known to have only eight and China was only reported to have supplied six. This indicates that China has been supplying additional such chassis and/or that North Korea has developed the capability to produce such chassis itself. Either way, it may be that obtaining additional large chassis is no longer a significant constraint on North Korean mobile ICBM deployments, although we still do not know how many chassis the DPRK can import from China and/or produce indigenously.

Parading “tactical nuclear weapons operation units” highlights the nuclear threat to Seoul and US forces on the peninsula in addition to furthering the other objectives noted above, and probably also seeks to foment tensions in the Alliance. In underscoring both ICBMs and “tactical nukes” together, Pyongyang is sending a strong deterrence message while probably seeking to dissuade American escalation in a crisis or provocation and erode Seoul’s confidence in the credibility of US extended deterrence.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, dated Feb 20th, 2023, North Korea continues with its missile launches, firing two more short-range ballistic missiles this morning.

This follows just two days after an ICBM launch in response to the allies’ joint exercises.

The regime also warns South Korea and the U.S. that it could turn the Pacific into a “firing range.”

Our defense ministry correspondent Oh Soo-young talked to military officials and experts to read between the lines.

North Korea's missile launches over the past three days were aimed at making a political point, rather than a technological improvement.

The regime's firing of two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Monday was followed by unusually swift state media reports denouncing South Korea and the United States' combined air drills held the day before.

The exercise had mobilized key U.S. strategic assets, including B-1B bombers and F-35 stealth fighters, in response to North Korea's firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Saturday.

Compared to past reports by the North, which included specifics about new technical enhancements to its weapons through testing, the North Korean report focused on condemning the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and the allies' scheduled joint drills.

While the regime bragged about its tactical nuclear weapons systems, and threatened to use the Pacific as a missile firing range, South Korean military officials and experts say the frenzied statements reveal little about the North's actual capabilities.

"It is clear that the N. Korean government and armed forces are feeling pressure to demonstrate that the ICBM of N. Korea ranging from Hwasong 15 to 17, are indeed capable of hitting the U.S.. The country has not mastered the essential technology to have the ICBMs re-enter the atmosphere without any significant damages."

Also, an official at Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters Monday that it's unlikely Pyongyang is able to mount a nuclear warhead onto the 600-milimeter multiple rocket launcher used Monday morning, as verifying this would require further weapons testing.

The official added that the North, on Saturday, is likely to have chosen to launch the smaller Hwasong-15 ICBM, rather than the newest Hwasong-17, as the earlier model is closer to completion, now likely in the final stage of verification.

The North's testing of the Hwasong-17 ended in failure last November, as it broke apart and crashed into the sea after second stage separation.

Also, by launching the smaller ICBM, it seems the North is saving room for bigger provocations.

Seoul and Washington believe the North may escalate its activities over the coming weeks, as it has key state anniversaries and a satellite launch coming up in April.

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Arirang also reported on Feb 21st, 2023 that South Korea conducted an air-to-air refueling drill on Tuesday, proving its ability to operate advanced fighter jets amid North Korea's growing threat to security. The Air Force mobilized its latest F-35A --the so-called "Freedom Knight" --stealth fighter and a KC-330 multipurpose refueling tanker. The F-35A comes with advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities and flies faster than the speed of sound with a maximum speed of Mach 1-point-6. Its stealth function allows it to go undetected by enemy radars, and infiltrate enemy territory and strike key targets. This is the first time the air force has publicly announced that it has carried out a refueling drill.

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"We intend for the public to clearly recognize the reality and seriousness of the North Korean threat. In particular, the report states clearly that ‘the North Korean regime and military are our enemies.'"

The report refers to how the North described the South as a “clear enemy" in December, and how Pyongyang aims for the "communization" of the entire Korean Peninsula.

It also points to the North's continued military provocations and incursions into the South as well as maritime buffer zones, particularly its violations of the 2018 inter-Korean agreement on defusing tensions across the heavily armed border.

According to the white paper, Pyongyang has also continued to produce weapons-grade nuclear materials.

The paper also added new seven new models to the list of the North's known projectiles. These include close-range and short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, hypersonics, and the massive Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.

In light of these threats, Seoul aims to strengthen its 3-axis system, focusing more on pre-emptive strikes and retaliatory measures that could take out the North Korean leadership.

"So it really clears any kind of uncertainty regarding what kind of strategies South Korea has, especially when it comes to N. Korea. So it means that the South Korea military is going to have to take a proactive posture to deter from North Korea, and also it means more cross coordination with the U.S. which is our most important ally."

The paper offers greater detail on implementing Washington's Extended Deterrence policy that offers security assurance for allies under conventional or nuclear attack.

In its bid to strengthen security ties with Washington and Tokyo, Seoul describes Japan as a “close” neighbour which shares its values, highlighting the need to build "futuristic, cooperative relations".

Still, Seoul says it remains firmly against Japan’s revisionist historical and territorial claims.

Looking beyond Korean Peninsula, South Korea also sets out to play a greater role in regional security, and is reviewing more specific ways to enhance cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries.

"To address both existing and emerging security threats, the white paper also lays out plans to transform the military with cutting-edge technologies ranging from AI to cyber warfare and space tech.

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CNN, North Korea Shows Off Largest-Ever Number Of Nuclear Missiles At Nighttime Parade Live | Kim Jong Un

Nuclear-armed North Korea showcased its missile production muscle during a nighttime parade, state media reported on Thursday (February 9), displaying more intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) than ever before and hinting at a new solid-fuel weapon.

Footage released by KRT state media of the Wednesday (February 8) night parade showed as many as 11 Hwasong-17s, North Korea's largest ICBM, which are suspected to be able to strike nearly anywhere in the world with a nuclear warhead. The Hwasong-17 was first tested last year. Alongside them at the parade were what some analysts said could be a prototype or mockup of a new solid-fuel ICBM in canister launchers.

Leader Kim Jong Un attended the grand military showcase with his daughter, who is seen as playing a possible future leadership role in the hereditary dictatorship.

N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un calls for perfecting war readiness in his first public appearance of 2023

Arirang News February 7th, 2023:  According to the Arirang News, Reporter : Reporter Lee Kyong Un, kelee@arirang.com In his first public appearance of the year North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on the regime's military to beef up its war readiness. North Korea's state-run media reported on Tuesday that the leader presided over a meeting of the regime's Central Military Commission on Monday where he pledged to expand combat drills and strictly perfect the country's preparedness for war. The meeting comes just a few days after Pyongyang condemned drills by the U.S. and its allies saying the drills threatened to turn the Korean Peninsula into a "more critical war zone." The meeting marks leader Kim Jong-un's first public appearance since the last day of 2022 when he unveiled a nuclear-capable “super-large multiple launch rocket system". Last year, Guadian News in July 28th, 2022: Stated,   In a speech to commemorate the event, Kim said his country is ready to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and denounced South Korea's new conservative president Yoon Suk-yeol by name for the first time, labelling attempts to neutralise the North's military as 'nonsense'.

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The Hwasong-17 (Korean: is a North Korean two-stage ICBM, first unveiled on 10 October 2020, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) parade.  This missile is the latest iteration of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, and it has the greatest perceived range out North Korea's missile arsenal (15,000 km+).  It had its maiden flight on 24 March 2022.

At the Self-Defence-2021 exhibition, the missile was shown labeled as the Hwasong-17

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Test launches of the Hwasong-17 were carried out first on 26 February 2022, and again on 4 March. North Korea did not publicize news of the launches, with INDOPACOM revealing them later. The United States believed the tests were not intended to demonstrate the ICBM's range but conduct early evaluations of its capabilities. North Korea publicly claimed the launches were intended to test components of a reconnaissance satellite at operational altitudes without disclosing they had been lofted by the new ICBM. It is possible the launches were done to test both satellite components and the ICBM, but only the former was admitted to limit potential international criticism.  Missile expert Jeffrey Lewis also raised the possibility that these were launches of the post-boost vehicle for the second stage of the Hwasong-17.  A missile launch was attempted on 16 March 2022, but it was a failure. It is suspected that it was a Hwasong-17 test, but was not acknowledged by North Korea due to the unsuccessful launch.

A test launch was carried out and then officially confirmed on 24 March 2022, which resulted in a complete technical success which broke many records for North Korea, for example regarding height and flight time.  The footage of the launch may have been doctored, with missile analysts being unable to confirm that the missile that was launched on 24 March was a Hwasong-17,  due to inconsistencies with objects in the background of the launch, which matched to satellite imagery on an earlier date than 24 March. Two shots of the observation bus that Kim Jong-un was in appeared to be taken in different locations and grass that was burnt in a controlled burn appeared to be unburnt on Korean Central Television footage. South Korean intelligence alleges that the missile launched on 24 March was likely an improved and modified Hwasong-15, though NK News also stated that there may be other reasons for using old footage, such as a camera failure.

Lofted trajectories of Hwasong-14/15/17

 North Korea announces successful ICBM test. NK News.org (5 July 2017). Apogee of 2,802 km (1,741 mi), landing 933 km (580 mi) North Korea announces successful ICBM test. NK News.org (28 July 2017). Apogee of 3,724.9 km (2,314.5 mi), landing 998 km (620 mi) North Korea announces first test of Hwasong-15 ICBM. NK News.org (November 29, 2017). “soaring to the highest altitude of 4475 km” and flying 950 km Striking Demonstration of Great Military Muscle of Juche Korea. KCNA.kp (March 25, 2022). "altitude of 6,248.5 km and flew a distance of 1,090 km"

Trajectories of Hwasong-14. Very high angle lofted trajectory. First flight: Second flight: First flight of Hwasong-15:

24 March 2022   Sil-li missile facility, near Pyongyang International Airport.  Signs of an ICBM or satellite launch were allegedly detected by USA.  Success First announced test of the Hwasong-17, with an apogee of 6248.5 km and a horizontal displacement of 1090 km, with a total flight time of 4052 seconds.

Supreme leader Kim Jong-un supervised the launch, and celebrated with soldiers and researchers from the Academy of National Defense Science.

The launch could have instead been an extended range Hwasong-15, with video footage of the launch being inconsistent with the conditions on 24 March.

December 31, 2022

North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles again
on Saturday Morning

December 31, 2022

Sources:  Arirang News, Youtube, Guadian News, CNN, Yunhap News Agency, 38North.org, wikipedia, flickr, AFB, Military News, White House, Yunhap  News
catch4all.com, Sandra Englund

Rev. February 6th, 2023 Rev. February 17, 2022, Rev Feb 22, February, March 15th, 2023, Rev March 19th, 20th, 2023