What threat do North Korea’s missile and nuclear plans pose?

North Korea is widely believed to have missiles capable of striking long-range targets, including potentially the US mainland.

In October 2020, it unveiled what appeared to be one of the world’s largest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

The unveiling came at a time of difficult relations with the US and South Korea.

Despite high-profile meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump there has been no agreement on the North’s nuclear programme.

In June, Pyongyang blew up the North-South liaison office on its side of the border.

Throughout 2017, North Korea tested several missiles demonstrating the rapid advances of its military technology.

The Hwasong-12 was thought to be able to reach as far as 4,500km (2,800 miles), putting US military bases on the Pacific island of Guam well within striking distance.

Later, the Hwasong-14 demonstrated even greater potential, with some studies suggesting it could travel as far as 10,000km if fired on a maximum trajectory.

This would have given Pyongyang its first truly intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of reaching New York.

Eventually, the Hwasong-15 was tested, peaking at an estimated altitude of 4,500km – 10 times higher than the International Space Station.

It has not yet been named or tested. Like the Hwasong-15, it is a two-stage liquid fuelled missile but with a greater length and diameter. It could possibly allow for multiple warheads.

Until a test is carried out, it is unlikely we will know its exact range, but North Korea’s message is clear – that its technological ability is not to be underestimated.

If fired on a more conventional “flatter” trajectory, the missile could have a maximum range of some 13,000km, putting all of the continental US in range.

In October 2020, North Korea unveiled its new ballistic missile.