SEOUL: North Korea has created a new holiday to mark the anniversary of the successful launch of the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile last year, state media reported on Sunday.
On November 18, 2022, Pyongyang conducted what is believed to be the first full flight test of the Hwasong-17, dubbed a “monster missile” by analysts.
The anniversary was designated as a holiday at a meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Congress, North Korea’s Central News Agency said on Sunday.
“The establishment of Missile Industry Day marks a special event in our sacred journey towards the development of national defense,” KCNA said.
He added that with the launch, North Korea “showed the world the majesty of a world-class nuclear power and the nation with the most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile.”
North Korea frequently conducts major weapons tests during major holidays, and Seoul’s spy agency said last week that the country was in the final stages of preparing for the launch of a third military reconnaissance satellite.
After a failed second attempt in August, Pyongyang announced it would conduct a third launch in October, but this never happened.
Analysts said there was significant technological overlap between space launch capabilities and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles, which Pyongyang is banned under many U.N. sanctions.
North Korean media calls for stronger nuclear force after US missile test
North Korea has conducted a record number of missile tests this year, ignoring warnings from the United States, South Korea and their allies.
In September, Pyongyang enshrined its nuclear power status in its constitution and leader Kim Jong Un called for more modern atomic weapons to counter threats from the United States.
news source (www.brecorder.com)
