SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea is preparing to deploy a newly developed intermediate-range ballistic missile that has a range sufficient to reach U.S. bases in Guam and possibly Hawaii, South Korean newspapers reported earlier this week.
The North has been trying for years to develop ballistic missiles that could reach the United States, but it has been widely assumed that such missiles were still in the developmental stage.
If confirmed, the reports would suggest the North has made more progress than previously thought – an alarming development given that the regime is pursuing nuclear technology.
The reports cited unnamed South Korean officials saying that intelligence satellite had recently found evidence of two new missile bases under construction in North Korea. Missiles and mobile launching pads observed at the sites were said to be of a design that did not resemble North Korea’s better-known Rodong missiles.
“We presume these bases to be for a new kind of ballistic missiles – not Rodongs or Scuds,” a high-ranking South Korean official was quoted as telling the Chosun Ilbo, a conservative daily newspaper that broke the story.
The newspaper quoted the official saying that the missile is likely to have a range of at least 1,800 to 2,500 miles, making it capable of reaching key Pacific bases in Guam and Okinawa; and because it can be launched from a vehicle, it might possibly be able to reach Hawaii.
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