North Korea’s Missile Mishap: A Tale of Accidental Accuracy
What Went Down?
In a headline-grabbing launch on March 24, North Korea shot a missile farther than any previous test—over 1,090 km of rocket‑road glory. But the big twist? The rocket was the older Hwasong‑15, not the hitherto hyped Hwasong‑17.
Why the Switch?
- Plain Old Reliability: The Hwasong‑15 has a proven track record, having leapt off the pad in 2017 without a hiccup.
- Shedding Failure Rumours: After a shaky launch on March 16, the regime likely wanted to put its dignity back on a pedestal.
- Military Bragging Rights: A triumphant flight showcases strength and could sweeten negotiations with Seoul, Washington, and the rest of the globe.
The Shaky Day of March 16
That day’s launch, believed to be the Hwasong‑17, ended in a puff of smoke—well, a literal boom that drenched Pyongyang with debris. Reports hint that faulty engines caused the disaster.
Technical Specs that Whisper“More Power?”
While the Hwasong‑15 flew 53 minutes, hit a max height of about 4,475 km, and covered a distance of 950 km, the new flight spanned 67.5 minutes, reached a lofty 6,248.5 km, and stretched over 1,090 km—a big step up.
Did the Missile Modify Itself?
Some experts whisper that North Korea might have tweaked the Hwasong‑15 or simply dropped a hefty payload to extend its range.
US and South Korea’s Silence
- While Seoul and Washington flagged the Hwasong‑17 on Feb 27 & Mar 5, they chose diplomacy over commentary on the Mar 16 fiasco.
- Pentagon spokesman John Kirby withheld official opinions, saying the test was still under analysis.
Final Takeaway
So there you have it: a missile that flew farther than the old model but keeps the old model under the spotlight, all while keeping the public guessing about who is truly pulling the levers. If the Hwasong‑15‘s success is just a lighter payload trick, then its “big ping” might not be as loud as the regime hoped. But scores of people—both inside and outside Pyongyang—got a front‑row seat to witness a roller‑coaster of missile science and political theatrics.
