North Korea’s Hwasong-15 Missile Test on November 29, 2017

On November 29, 2017, North Korea conducted a significant missile test that marked a pivotal moment in its ballistic missile development program. The missile tested was the Hwasong-15, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea claimed could reach the entire U.S. mainland. This test represented a substantial advancement in North Korea’s missile capabilities and had far-reaching implications for international security and diplomacy.

Context Leading Up to the Test

Prior to the Hwasong-15 test, North Korea had been steadily advancing its missile technology, conducting a series of tests throughout 2017. The year was marked by heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests drawing international condemnation and leading to increased sanctions from the United Nations.

• Earlier Tests: Earlier in 2017, North Korea had tested other ICBMs, such as the Hwasong-14, which demonstrated the potential to reach parts of the United States.
• International Response: These tests were met with strong reactions from the international community, including the United States, South Korea, and Japan, who called for increased pressure on North Korea to halt its weapons programs.

Details of the Hwasong-15 Test

• Launch Date and Time: The Hwasong-15 was launched in the early hours of November 29, 2017.
• Flight Path and Distance: The missile was launched from a site near Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province. It traveled approximately 950 kilometers (590 miles) and reached an altitude of around 4,475 kilometers (2,780 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan.
• Technical Specifications: The Hwasong-15 is believed to be larger and more powerful than its predecessors, with a potential range that could theoretically cover the entire continental United States.

International Reactions

The test drew immediate and widespread condemnation:

• United States: The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, reiterated its commitment to defending itself and its allies, emphasizing the need for increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.
• United Nations: The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of the test, leading to further sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
• Regional Responses: South Korea and Japan, both within range of North Korean missiles, expressed grave concerns and called for a unified international response.

Aftermath and Significance

The Hwasong-15 test underscored North Korea’s determination to develop a credible nuclear deterrent, significantly altering the strategic calculus in the region. It highlighted the challenges faced by the international community in addressing North Korea’s missile and nuclear ambitions.

• Diplomatic Efforts: The test intensified diplomatic efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, eventually leading to a series of high-profile summits in 2018 and 2019 involving North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and other world leaders.
• Military Implications: The test demonstrated North Korea’s growing technological capabilities, prompting discussions on missile defense and regional security strategies among affected nations.

In summary, the Hwasong-15 missile test on November 29, 2017, was a critical event in North Korea’s missile development program, with significant implications for global security and diplomatic relations.